FIFA has sanctioned the rule violation by the German Football Association before the second World Cup group game against Spain with a fine of 10,000 francs. In addition, the DFB was warned by the world association.
FIFA announced the penalty on Tuesday (11/29/22). Before the duel with the Iberians (1: 1), national coach Hansi Flick was not represented with a player at the question and answer session in the international media center as required. Flick’s approach was justified by what he believed to be the long journey from the team headquarters in northern Qatar to the capital, a good 100 kilometers away.
About 30 hours before kick-off, none of the 26 players in his squad could “be expected to do it,” explained the national coach.
PK rule mandatory for all 32 World Cup participants
The rule that the press conference before a World Cup game must be held in the media center in Al-Rajjan applies to all 32 participants in the desert tournament. The next round of questions for the DFB in the media center will take place on Wednesday (30 November 2022), the day before the last and decisive group game against Costa Rica.