FIFA World Cup: Germany fined ₹8.5 lakh in Qatar; here's why

Germany’s football team has been fined by FIFA during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

In a statement, FIFA said it has imposed a fine of Swiss Francs 10,000 (₹ 8.5 lakh) on the former champion.

Also read: Full coverage of FIFA World Cup 2022

The governing body took action against the team for refusing to send a player for the pre-match press conference, before its game against Spain last week.

Germany was charged in a disciplinary case by FIFA on Monday, though not for its players’ “hands covering mouths” protest before playing a World Cup game last week.

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On Monday, FIFA said it opened a case against the German football federation for not bringing players to its mandatory news conferences one day before each game.

Coach Hansi Flick appeared alone Saturday to meet international media in Doha ahead of the team playing Spain. He said he did not want to burden players ahead of such an important game, which Germany drew 1-1.

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Germany chose a training camp furthest away from Doha, where most of the 32 teams are staying. The squad’s campo is located in a resort hotel on the northern tip of the peninsula about 110 kilometers (70 miles) from the capital.

FIFA gave no timetable for a judgment, which is likely to be a small fine.

The German federation has been critical of FIFA over its refusal to let some European teams wear a captain’s armband in Qatar supporting the “One Love” anti-discrimination campaign. It was aimed at drawing attention to the host nation’s record on human rights.

Germany’s players lined up for a team photo each with their right hand over their mouth before the 2-1 loss to Japan last Wednesday.

In its last Group E match, Germany faces Costa Rica on Friday (December 2).

(With agency inputs)