FIFA has found itself at the centre of fresh controversy at the World Cup after refusing France permission to wear black armbands in honour of Didier Deschamps' late mother while also pushing to change the rules governing penalty shootouts before the knockout stages begin.
The governing body has come under scrutiny over two separate decisions in the space of a few days, with both drawing debate as the tournament heads towards the last 32.
France's Tribute Request Denied
France were left frustrated after FIFA reportedly rejected a request from the French Football Federation (FFF) for players to wear black armbands during Friday's 4-1 victory over Norway in tribute to head coach Deschamps, who was absent after returning home following the death of his mother, Ginette.
The FFF had also initially announced there would be a minute's silence before kick-off, only to later clarify that FIFA's planned tribute would instead honour the victims of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela. France's request for black armbands was also turned down.
Despite the emotional circumstances, France secured top spot in Group I with victory over Norway, with assistant coach Guy Stéphan taking charge in Deschamps' absence.
Criticism Over Lack of Explanation
The decision has prompted criticism from sections of the football world, particularly given black armbands have long been used as a mark of respect following bereavements, although FIFA has not publicly explained why the request was refused.
Deschamps had flown home from the World Cup to be with his family, leaving his team to play under difficult circumstances. The French squad rallied to win convincingly, but the off-field controversy has overshadowed their performance.
Proposed Penalty Shootout Changes
At the same time, FIFA is attempting to introduce a change to penalty shootouts before the knockout rounds get underway next week. The proposal has been submitted to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and would alter the current coin-toss procedure used before a shootout.
As it stands, referees conduct two coin tosses – one to determine which team takes the first penalty and another to decide which goal the shootout will take place at. Under FIFA's proposal there would be just a single toss. The captain winning that toss would choose either to take the opening penalty or select which end the shootout is held at, with the opposing captain receiving whichever option remains.
Impact on Knockout Stages
The move follows concerns that one team can currently gain both perceived advantages by winning successive coin tosses – shooting first and doing so in front of their own supporters. If approved by IFAB in time, the revised procedure could come into force as early as the start of the knockout stages, meaning teams still involved in the tournament, including England, could be affected by a rule introduced after the competition had already begun.
The dual controversies have placed FIFA under renewed scrutiny during the World Cup, with critics questioning the organisation's handling of sensitive matters and its willingness to alter established rules mid-tournament.
