FIFA to sanction players and coaches for referee criticism after World Cup

FIFA has decided to delay disciplinary action against players and coaches who criticised referees during the 2026 World Cup until after the tournament.

• According to The Athletic, FIFA confirmed it will impose sanctions based on referee reports and other contributing factors.
• England manager Thomas Tuchel criticised referee Alireza Faghani after a round-of-16 match, calling him “not good enough” and “unreliable.”
• Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said “influencing factors” affected his team’s loss, and player Mustafa Ziko stated the referee “wasted all our efforts.”
• Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji said referee Joao Pinheiro was against his team after a quarterfinal defeat.