Argentina and Croatia are in the sights of the International Football Federation (FIFA). The authority announced, Friday, January 13to open proceedings against these two selections for events which occurred respectively during the matches against France and Morocco during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Albiceleste is targeted for “possible violations of Articles 11 [comportement offensant et violation des principes du fair-play] and 12 [incorrection de joueurs et d’officiels] » of the disciplinary code of the body, observed during the World Cup final won against the Blues (3-3; 4-2 on pens), details the FIFA press release.
If the text does not specify what are the attitudes concerned, the goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had been photographed after the match making a rude gesture with the trophy of the golden glove which rewards the best goalkeeper of the tournament. He had also been filmed in the locker room mocking French striker Kylian Mbappé. Argentina is also the subject of a procedure for a violation of the media and marketing regulations of the World Cup.
nationalist songs
As regards Croatia, the body reports “potential violations of Articles 13 [discrimination] and 16 [ordre et sécurité lors des matchs] » in the match for third place won against Morocco (2-1).
Again, the press release does not develop which incidents are covered by this procedure. But, during the celebrations of the Croatian team, videos relayed on social networks had shown players singing nationalist songs with fascist overtones.
Among them, defender Dejan Lovren, newly arrived at Olympique Lyonnais, defended himself to Agence France-Presse, citing “a patriotic song that relates to [s]we country » and which bears witness to the love he has for him.
Three sanctioned federations
FIFA also specifies that it has taken sanctions against the Mexican, Ecuadorian and Serbian federations for violations of article 13 of its code of conduct, relating to discrimination, because of songs sung by their supporters.
Mexico are handed a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs (about 99,600 euros) and a suspended match behind closed doors. Ecuador was fined 20,000 Swiss francs (about 19,900 euros) and played behind closed doors. Serbia, meanwhile, receive a fine of 50,000 Swiss francs (about 49,800 euros) and inherit a game behind closed doors. Seven of his players were also individually sanctioned for misconduct during the group game against Switzerland.