FIFA defends itself against Maradona criticism: “Inappropriate and baseless”

FIFA said it was “very sad” about the statements made by the 57-year-old, who “helped write the history of our sport” as a player.

Maradona harshly criticized the appointment of US referee Mark Geiger on Venezuelan television. “I apologize to all Colombians, but the players are not to blame because there is a man who has chosen a referee who cannot be used in a game of such importance,” Maradona said. You could have found that out by “googling”. What he meant was Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA referee committee.

The background to the comment is the fact that Geiger was banned for six months after controversial decisions in the Gold Cup. “This referee may know a lot about baseball, but he knows nothing about football,” Maradona said.

Colombia had fallen victim to a “monumental fraud,” said Maradona. "The penalty wasn't a penalty - it was a foul by Kane," said the 1986 world champion and asked: "Why wasn't the VAR (Video Assistant Referee, editor) used?" Harry Kane was brought down in wrestling style by the Colombian Carlos Sanchez, the England captain scored from the spot to make it 1-0 (57th). Colombia equalized late (90+3). Maradona was at the game as a FIFA guest of honor.

“FIFA firmly rejects the criticism of the officials. “You led a tough and highly emotional game well,” the world association said in a statement. Maradona's comments were "completely inappropriate" and "completely baseless".

Colombia's top striker Radamel Falcao had previously railed against Geiger. "The referee was a disgrace. It's strange that he only spoke English on the pitch. There's certainly a bit of partisanship there," said Falcao: "It was more than clear that when in doubt he always whistled for England ."

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FIFA defends itself against Maradona criticism: “Inappropriate and baseless”

Argentina's football idol Diego Maradona made himself unpopular with the world football association FIFA with comments on the refereeing performance in the World Cup round of 4 between England and Colombia (3:XNUMX iE).

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