FIFA is set to wait until the World Cup has concluded before deciding whether to sanction players and coaches who publicly criticised match officials during the tournament.
Several high-profile figures have questioned refereeing decisions over recent weeks, including England manager Thomas Tuchel, Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji and Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan. World football’s governing body is now expected to review those incidents once the competition ends.
FIFA declined to comment on any current or potential disciplinary cases. However, sources with knowledge of the process have indicated that disciplinary action remains a possibility after the final.
Any punishment would depend on the official reports submitted by match referees, alongside other evidence gathered during the tournament.
The approach is not without precedent. Following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA waited until after the competition before taking disciplinary action against several national associations.
Tuchel was among the most prominent figures to criticise officiating during this year’s tournament. Following England’s last-16 victory over Mexico, which saw defender Jarell Quansah sent off, the England boss launched a strong attack on referee Alireza Faghani.
“It’s not good enough,” Tuchel said.
“He can send any team out in any moment. It’s just not good enough. It’s erratic, it’s unreliable in matches.”
Tuchel also questioned the conduct of match officials on the touchline.
“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.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan delivered even stronger criticism after his side’s last-16 defeat by Argentina. He suggested referee Francois Letexier had come under outside influence before the match.
“It is clear that the pressure put on the referee before the match by the Argentine side succeeded,” Hossam claimed.
Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko echoed those frustrations, alleging the referee’s decisions cost his team the match.
Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji also questioned the officiating after his country’s quarter-final defeat by Argentina.
“When you have the referee against you, it becomes difficult,” Akanji said.
“I don’t usually say anything against the officials, but I’ve never experienced such a one-sided game as today.”
In domestic competitions such as the Premier League, public criticism of referees often results in immediate fines or touchline bans. FIFA, however, has opted to postpone any disciplinary process until after the tournament.
FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, has already defended the integrity of officials following accusations of bias.
“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials,” Collina said.
He warned that allegations against referees can expose officials and their families to abuse and threats, insisting such behaviour is unacceptable.
