Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin no show for World Cup final for New Jersey, as protest against Fifa. The relationship between European football body and world football authority don reach breaking point.
Ceferin choose to stay away from match wey United States win, with Uefa president vex for many things wey Fifa do for the tournament.
One of the main tins wey cause wahala na the Folarin Balogun affair. Fifa disciplinary committee suspend the one-match ban wey Balogun get, and Uefa call the decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”. Uefa say Fifa cross red line.
The suspension of ban come after US president Donald Trump call Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask for review of Balogun red card. This raise question about political influence inside Fifa decision-making.
But the influence no work both ways. Fifa no fit stop US authorities from sending home Somali referee Omar Artan before tournament begin. Uefa later appoint Artan to officiate next month Uefa Super Cup final.
Fifa also fail to make sure Iran get equal treatment as other 47 nations. Iran face strict conditions for entry and exit from US. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei say his team be the “most oppressed” for World Cup. US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin even say he “danced a happy dance” when Iran team eliminate.
Uefa no happy with Fifa willingness to bend or break football laws for the tournament. Hydration breaks split matches into four quarters, wey allow broadcasters cut to adverts. The 27-minute half-time interval for World Cup final well pass the maximum 15 minutes wey rule allow.
Uefa no plan to adopt other changes wey Fifa introduce for World Cup. Like the ‘mistaken identity’ VAR protocol wey lead to Switzerland Breel Embolo send off against Argentina, or the rule wey dismiss players wey cover mouth when talking to opponent.
Ceferin also criticize Fifa ticket pricing strategy. Uefa reveal that 40 percent of tickets for Euro 2028 go be for affordable categories, priced at around £30 or £60. Uefa also promise no to adopt dynamic pricing.
Ceferin don attend opening match of tournament for Mexico City on 11 June, but choose to boycott the final.
