[Saba Sports News] British media outlets report that FIFA will hold off on imposing sanctions against players and coaches whose conduct has brought the tournament into disrepute until after this World Cup concludes. Match officials have faced fierce criticism throughout the competition, with critics including England head coach Thomas Tuchel, Swiss defender Manuel Akanji and Egypt manager Hossam Hassan. FIFA has declined to comment on any ongoing or potential disciplinary proceedings, yet sources close to the matter have revealed that disciplinary action is likely to be taken once the tournament draws to a close. Any sanctions FIFA may hand down will hinge on referee reports and other relevant evidence. Following the Qatar World Cup four years ago, FIFA issued penalties against several member associations only after the tournament wrapped up. Separately, Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, has hit back at claims that match officials can be influenced.
The editor believes that remarks of this nature usually result in immediate fines or suspensions in other competitions such as the Premier League, yet FIFA has opted to hold fire and wait until after the World Cup to take action.