Last Updated:
While France coach is unfazed by the appointments, media and fans back home have made their displeasure known.
FIFA has named Facundo Tello has match referee for France Vs Morocco quarterfinal. (AP/AFP)
After 96 matches of the 2026 football world cup, FIFA has for the first time named a referee crew belonging to the same nation. And it has sparked outrage in France.
For the first quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between France and Morocco, Facundo Tello will lead an all-Argentina referee crew. While this isn’t the first time that the football’s governing body has chosen on-field referees from the same nation for a match, this sure is the first time it has done in the ongoing tournament.
On social media, there has been a deluge of posts where users have been venting their ire with FIFA being the target. Spanish website Marca has reported that France’s RMC Sport blasted FIFA for having “no shame” for giving charge of their quarter-final clash against Morocco to Tello.
Tello will be assisted by compatriots Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade as assistant referees while Dario Herrera has been named fourth official and Cristian Navarro being the reserve assistant referee.
Argentina famously defeated France in a penalty shootout to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
So why is there a debate?
Generally, neutral referees belonging to different nations are pooled alongside for high-profile matches in order to avoid the perception of biasness.
A full Argentinian delegation, you will never beat the allegations— Yvonne Amugaga ⚽ (@yvonneamugaga) July 7, 2026
FIFA doesnt hide it anymore 😂😂😂😂 All Argentinian why dont you bring Messi to check the VAR too— Elin Ghadimian (@elin_ghadimian) July 7, 2026
All Argentina referees for a france match, FIFA trying everything to rig the World Cup for Argentina once again— DrewS🇫🇷🇵🇹 (@XnzyDrewS) July 7, 2026
Interestingly, Argentine fans had also criticised after FIFA had appointed Frenchman Francois Letexier and two of his compatriots as assistant referees for their pre-quarterfinal clash with Egypt which they eventually won 3-2.
France coach Didier Deschamp though is not concerned by the choice of Argentinian referees.
“There are always decisions that can lead to debate depending on which side you are on, but our opponents are Morocco,” Deschamps told reporters ahead of the match. “I can’t consider the referee to be an opponent.”
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
