FIFA will wait until after the World Cup to discipline players and coaches
FIFA will postpone disciplinary actions against players and coaches who have criticized referees until the 2026 World Cup ends, after many reflections on refereeing in the tournament.
FIFA will wait until after the World Cup to discipline players and coaches
According to Sports.
Why this is important
FIFA's decision to postpone disciplinary actions shows that this organization is trying to maintain fairness in the biggest tournament on the planet, especially in the context of the ongoing 2026 World Cup. Criticism from coaches such as Thomas Tuchel and Didier Deschamps could affect the way referees carry out their duties, and FIFA's failure to intervene immediately could help ease tensions during matches.
Main point
- FIFA will wait until after the World Cup to discipline players and coaches.
- FIFA will postpone disciplinary actions against players and coaches who have criticized referees until the 2026 World Cup ends, after many reflections on refereeing in the tournament.
- Thomas Tuchel remains central to England's plans.
It is expected that FIFA will not make a disciplinary decision on players and coaches who publicly criticized the referee until the 2026 World Cup ends. According to information from The Athletic, this organization has decided not to take action while the tournament is still going on. Prominent people in football have spoken out about the referee's decisions in recent weeks, but FIFA has chosen not to intervene right now.
Any possible disciplinary action will only be considered after the final, with decisions based on the referee's report and other relevant evidence. Many complaints from coaches and players were made after the controversial matches. England coach Thomas Tuchel was one of those who strongly criticized the referees after his team's victory over Mexico in the round of 16, in which player Jarell Quansah was sent off. Tuchel has described refereeing as "unstable" and "unreliable", arguing that referees can change the outcome of a match too easily. He also expressed disappointment with the way the fourth umpires handled the coaches on the sidelines.
France head coach Didier Deschamps also questioned refereeing standards following his team's defeat to Spain in the semi-finals. Although he did not directly accuse the referee of poor performance, his comments sparked a quick reaction from Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's director of refereeing. Collina defended the referees and asserted that FIFA referees are among the best in world football. He has also dismissed suggestions that referees could be influenced by outside pressure.
One of the strongest criticisms came from Egypt after their defeat to Argentina in the round of 16. Coach Hossam Hassan had claimed that there was pressure on the referee before the match, while striker Mostafa Ziko blamed the referee's decisions for his team's defeat. "We did everything well," Hossam said. "There were influencing factors, not from the outside, but inside the field, and outside before the match. It is clear that the pressure that the Argentine team put on the referee before the match was successful, because they protested against the referee, leading to talk of the French team, and the French team."
So far, FIFA has not announced whether it will open disciplinary cases or not. The organization only confirmed its confidence in the quality and integrity of its referees.
What happens next
After the 2026 World Cup ends, FIFA will review reports from referees and related evidence to decide on disciplinary actions against players and coaches who criticized the referee. This could lead to changes in the way refereeing regulations are enforced in the future, to ensure fairness and transparency in major tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will FIFA discipline players and coaches?
FIFA will not make a disciplinary decision until the 2026 World Cup ends.
Who was the player sent off in the match between England and Mexico?
England player Jarell Quansah was sent off in the match against Mexico.
What did Thomas Tuchel criticize about the referee?
Thomas Tuchel has criticized the refereeing as 'unstable' and 'unreliable'.
Didier Deschamps' reaction to the referee after the match against Spain?
Didier Deschamps questioned refereeing standards but did not directly accuse the referee of poor performance.
Who is FIFA's referee director?
Pierluigi Collina is FIFA's director of referees.
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