FIFA to Decide on Punishments for Criticism of Match Officials After World Cup
FIFA is anticipated to wait until the conclusion of the World Cup before determining whether to penalize players and coaches who publicly criticized match officials during the tournament, The Athletic reports.
Several prominent figures in the tournament have questioned refereeing decisions over recent weeks, but FIFA has opted not to take any action while the competition continues.
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According to reports, any potential disciplinary actions are expected to be evaluated only after the final match, based on referees’ reports and other pertinent evidence.
There have been numerous complaints from coaches and players following contentious matches.
England manager Thomas Tuchel was among those who strongly criticized officials after his team’s round-of-16 victory over Mexico, where Jarell Quansah was sent off.
Tuchel described the officiating as “erratic” and “unreliable,” asserting that referees have the power to easily alter the course of a game.
He also expressed frustration with how fourth officials managed coaches on the sidelines.
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France head coach Didier Deschamps also raised concerns about the quality of officiating following his team’s semi-final loss to Spain.
While Deschamps refrained from directly accusing the referee of subpar performance, his remarks drew a swift response from FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina.
Collina defended the officiating crew, asserting that FIFA’s referees rank among the best in world football and dismissed claims that match officials could be swayed by external pressures.
Some of the most pointed criticisms emerged from Egypt after their last-16 defeat to Argentina.
Head coach Hossam Hassan contended that the referee faced pressure prior to the match, while striker Mostafa Ziko attributed the team’s defeat to the official’s decisions.
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“We were the best in everything,” Hossam stated. “There were factors influencing it, not external, but internal on the pitch, and external before the match.
“It is clear that the pressure put on the referee before the match by the Argentine side succeeded since they objected to the referee, citing France and the French national team.”
So far, FIFA has not publicly addressed whether any disciplinary cases are underway, only reiterating its confidence in the quality and integrity of its officials.
