FIFA went in opposition to their very own guidelines by permitting Qatar to decorate Lionel Messi in Arab robes earlier than the trophy presentation, as identified by ex-Spurs star Ramon Vega on social media.
Following Argentina’s enthralling 4-2 win in opposition to France on penalties on Sunday, Messi took centre stage as he ready to elevate his nation’s first World Cup trophy since 1986.
Earlier than the crowning second, the Argentina captain was greeted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who dressed him in a standard Arab gown often known as a bisht.
Lionel Messi was wearing an Arab gown by the Emir of Qatar earlier than he lifted the World Cup
The gown – often known as a bisht – is a logo of honour and status and is worn at main events
The garment is historically worn at main events similar to weddings and different occasions and signifies honour and status.
Taking to Twitter on Monday. Vega drew consideration to a piece of FIFA’s rulebook, which clearly acknowledged that ‘celebratory apparel’ might solely be worn after numerous formalities had been carried out.
Rule 27.2 acknowledged: ‘In FIFA last competitions, celebratory apparel might solely be worn on the sector of play after the next official FIFA actions have taken place (throughout which the workforce should put on the shirts they wore throughout the match in query).
Former Spurs defender Ramon Vega drew consideration to FIFA’s ruling in direction of ‘celebratory apparel’
Based mostly on FIFA’s ruling – as identified by Ramon Vega – the ritual shouldn’t have been allowed
‘(These embrace:) the trophy presentation; official FIFA images; and official media appearances.’
Vega accompanied his picture of the rulebook with a collection of questioning emojis, clearly confused as to why FIFA had allowed Qatar to hold out the ritual.
After he awkwardly accepted the robes in bewilderment, Messi went over to his team-mates to elevate the trophy on the Lusail Stadium, earlier than swiftly eradicating the garment as he and the gamers went over to have a good time with their households and buddies.
Talking after the sport to BBC Sport, Qatar’s secretary normal of their World Cup organising committee Hassan Al Thawadi insisted the bisht presentation was vital as a result of it demonstrated Arab area’s celebration after internet hosting the event.
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino was current when the captain was draped within the conventional gown
Ex-Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta was not happy with resolution to decorate Messi in a bisht
‘It’s a costume for an official event and worn for celebrations,’ he mentioned. ‘This was a celebration of Messi.
‘The World Cup had the chance to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim tradition. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.
‘Folks from totally different walks of life had been in a position to come, expertise what was taking place right here and get to know that we might not see eye to eye on every thing, however we are able to nonetheless have a good time collectively.’
Retired Switzerland worldwide Vega performed for Spurs for 4 years between 1997 and 2001
