Thomas Tuchel in danger of FIFA sanction with World Cup decision made

Thomas Tuchel could be among several players and coaches who will be handed FIFA sanctions shortly after the conclusion of the World Cup.

Tuchel is currently preparing his players for what promises to be a historic World Cup semi-final clash with reigning champions Argentina at Atalanta Stadium – formerly Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The German, who is contracted to be the England head coach until Euro 2028, has already achieved something just three other Three Lions bosses – Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Gareth Southgate – have done by guiding the side to the semi-finals of FIFA’s premier international tournament.

And while he will be hoping to go one better than his predecessor by winning the World Cup, which would in turn make Tuchel immortal to England fans and the FA, the ex-Chelsea boss may yet have to deal with a headache following the tournament.

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As reported by The Athletic, FIFA is set to wait until after the ongoing tournament before sanctioning players and coaches who they feel have brought the game into disrepute.

Sanctions will be handed out based on referees’ reports as well as other factors.

Why Thomas Tuchel could face FIFA sanction

Criticising referees may be on the list of actions to be punished, which could mean Tuchel is reprimanded over his comments about Australian referee Alireza Faghani relating to Jarell Quansah being sent off in the round-of-16 clash against Mexico.

“It’s not good enough,” Tuchel said after the match. “He [the referee] can send any team out at any moment. It’s just not good enough. It’s just erratic, it’s just unreliable in matches. 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.”

Quansah was subsequently banned for two matches, meaning he was forced to sit out the quarter-final victory over Norway as well as July 15’s semi-final against Argentina.

Tuchel’s comments would likely land him a fine or touchline ban if FIFA finds him guilty of having brought the game into disrepute, although it must be noted that a decision will not be made until after the tournament.

There have also been suggestions from some that officials have been biased towards Argentina, to which FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, responded: “With such a high number of matches played in a relatively short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as expected.

“When that happens, they [referees] are ready to work even harder to ensure they are fully prepared for the next match.

“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport.”

He added: “Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials … Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president [Gianni Infantino].

“Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.”