FIFA updated its rules after Thomas Tuchel raised concerns following England’s first game in the World Cup.
FIFA updated its rules after Thomas Tuchel asked them to change a pre-match routine that he said “ruined” a “very special moment” before England’s first World Cup game.
England had a great start on Wednesday, winning 4-2 against Croatia with goals from Harry Kane (2), Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford. This made Tuchel the first foreign manager to win his first game as England boss at a major tournament.
It was a big day for Tuchel, but his first World Cup game didn’t start off perfectly. When England players gathered to sing the national anthem, photographers stood right in front of him, blocking his view of the team.
Video showed Tuchel telling the photographers, “Very close guys, you’re very close. You’re very close I cannot see anything,” at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
After the game, Tuchel said he wished FIFA would change where photographers stand during the anthem. He said, “I was waiting for this moment. It was very special, but I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, just half a meter away, and I couldn’t see a single player.” He added, “It ruined my experience a little. This is a very emotional moment. When I was young and started coaching, this was a dream.”
After Tuchel spoke up, FIFA changed the rules so coaches can now stand on either side of the photographers during the pre-match ceremony.
In other news, Declan Rice was taken off in the 72nd minute after limping, which caused some worry about his fitness. Tuchel later gave an update on Rice’s condition.
“Declan had some unusual ball losses, and he looked uncomfortable,” Tuchel said to ITV. “He told me it was his lower back, near his upper hamstring. I didn’t want to take any risks, so I took him off. Reece James did a great job coming in for him.”
Tuchel added, “I hope it’s nothing serious. Declan told me he’s okay, and we’ll take good care of it.”
Rice also said after the match that he’s “good as gold,” but admitted he’s been dealing with this injury for a while.