Fifa says coaches and players were told before the World Cup that referees would punish the type of foul that saw Germany's extra-time goal against Paraguay disallowed.
Summary
Fifa has explained the decision to rule out Germany's extra-time goal against Paraguay in their World Cup match, stating that players and coaches had been informed before the tournament that such fouls would be penalised.
The Details
According to BBC Sport, Fifa officials confirmed that the controversial call was consistent with pre-tournament guidance given to all participating teams. The goal, scored by Germany in extra time, was disallowed after a foul was spotted by the referee. The decision sparked debate, but Fifa insists it was correct under the rules.
The governing body said that during briefings ahead of the World Cup, referees made it clear that any contact deemed a foul in the build-up to a goal would be punished, even if it appeared minor. This clarification was intended to ensure consistency across matches.
What It Means
The explanation underscores Fifa's commitment to enforcing strict officiating standards at the tournament. For Germany, the disallowed goal proved costly as they were eliminated. The ruling also serves as a reminder to other teams that similar incidents will be handled firmly. For more World Cup news, visit our dedicated page.
Source: Reported by BBC Sport. Summary compiled by NinetyMins.
