World Cup 2022 in Qatar: No player at DFB-PK – Flick: “Training is more important”

Status: 11/26/2022 3:36 p.m

One day before the important World Cup group game against Spain, the DFB violated FIFA regulations because no player was present at the press conference.

Only Hansi Flick appeared at the German Football Association (DFB) press conference held at the International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Doha on Saturday (11/26/2022).

FIFA stipulated it, just as the world governing body obliges every participant to present the head coach and a player at the press conference the day before a game. On Saturday, however, only Flick appeared in Doha.

FIFA rejects DFB application

The DFB had applied to FIFA to be allowed to hold the media round in Al Shamal at their own quarters in northern Qatar. The aim was to avoid driving to the IBC media center, more than 100 kilometers away.

The world association rejected the application with reference to the regulations that have been known for months. Flick showed no understanding: “That’s disappointing. We have a really good media center.” Presumably with a view to the dispute with FIFA over the “One Love” captain’s armband, he added: “But we have to accept that.”

Three hours drive for a PK

Thomas Müller was originally intended as a player at the press conference. After the application was rejected, the DFB decided not to send any players, not even a goalkeeper, who will sit on the bench on Sunday. “We didn’t want to expect any player to drive that long. That’s more than three hours in the car,” said Flick.

The DFB accepts a penalty from FIFA, whose disciplinary committee is discussing the case. The sanction could be a warning, but also a fine in the five-digit range, to be paid in Swiss francs.

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