Thomas Tuchel might face trouble with FIFA after his World Cup choice
Thomas Tuchel could be one of several players and coaches to face FIFA sanctions soon after the World Cup ends.
Right now, Tuchel is busy getting his team ready for what could be a historic World Cup semi-final against the current champions, Argentina, at Atalanta Stadium (formerly Mercedes-Benz Stadium).
As England’s head coach, a role he’ll hold until Euro 2028, Tuchel has already done something only three other England managers—Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Bobby Robson, and Sir Gareth Southgate—have done: leading the team to the semi-finals of FIFA’s biggest tournament.
While he hopes to go even further and win the World Cup—something that would make him a legend to England fans and the FA—he might face some trouble after the tournament.
According to The Athletic, FIFA plans to wait until the World Cup is over before punishing players and coaches who they believe have disrespected the game. These sanctions will be based on reports from referees and other details.
Speaking out against referees could be one reason for punishment, which might affect Tuchel because of his recent comments about Australian referee Alireza Faghani. This was after Jarell Quansah was sent off in the round-of-16 match against Mexico.
Tuchel said, “It’s not good enough. He [the referee] can send any team out at any moment. It’s just erratic, it’s just unreliable in matches. Now we have two fourth officials who just scream at you if you put one foot out of a coaching zone. It’s just not good enough.”
Quansah got banned for two matches and missed both the quarter-final win over Norway and the semi-final against Argentina on July 15.
If FIFA decides Tuchel’s words brought the game into disrepute, he could face a fine or a ban from the sidelines, though no decision will come before the tournament ends.
Some people have also suggested that referees have been biased toward Argentina. FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, responded by saying it’s normal for some mistakes to happen with many matches played in a short time. When that happens, referees work even harder to be ready for the next game.
He added that while it’s okay to discuss decisions, baseless accusations don’t belong in football.
Collina also said no one can question the honesty of World Cup referees or claim that FIFA or its president, Gianni Infantino, influence them. Match officials always do their best, just like players and coaches.