The
governing body responded to the criticism of officials, describing the
Argentine's comments as "entirely inappropriate and completely
unfounded".
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)
Diego Maradona
FIFA issued a statement that
"strongly rebukes" Diego Maradona's criticism of referee Mark Geiger
following England's World Cup penalty shoot-out win over Colombia on Tuesday.
The Argentina icon – who has rarely
been out of the headlines during Russia 2018 – believes Colombia were victims
of a "monumental theft" and laid into the performance of the
officials.
FIFA responded and described the
57-year-old's comments as "entirely inappropriate and completely
unfounded".
A statement read: "Following
comments made by Diego Armando Maradona in relation to Tuesday's round of 16
game, Colombia v England, FIFA strongly rebukes the criticism of the
performance of the match officials which it considers to have been positive in
a tough and highly emotional match.
"Furthermore, it also considers
the additional comments and insinuations made as being entirely inappropriate
and completely unfounded.
"At a time when FIFA is doing
everything within its power to ensure principles of fair play, integrity and
respect are at the forefront of this World Cup and how the organisation is now
run, FIFA is extremely sorry to read such declarations from a player who has
written the history of our game."
Jose Pekerman's side received six
bookings in a tempestuous match, but Maradona had said Colombia could feel
robbed and questioned the decision of FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina to
appoint American official Geiger.
Speaking to teleSUR , he said: "I
saw a monumental theft on the pitch. I apologise to all the Colombian people,
but the players are not to blame for this.
"Here is a gentleman [Collina]
who is the one who decides to choose a referee by just Googling him. He cannot
be put in to referee a match of this magnitude."
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)
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