FIFA: World Cup referee did not ask for player's jersey; Morocco’s allegation 'unequivocally' condemned
MOSCOW – American referee Mark Geiger was forcefully backed by FIFA after strongly denying accusations that he had asked for a Portugal player’s shirt during a World Cup match on Wednesday.
The New Jersey-based official, who works in Major League Soccer, was thrust into the spotlight when Morocco’s Nordin Amrabat told Dutch television station NOS that Geiger had spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo and asked if he could have the jersey of Pepe, the Portugal defender.
Other news outlets reported that Amrabat had accused Geiger of asking for Ronaldo’s journey, but Paste BN Sports confirmed with NOS that this was not the case.
“It is with regret and disappointment that, following (Wednesday’s) Group B game between Portugal and Morocco, FIFA has learnt of reports in the media concerning the referee Mark Geiger,” FIFA said in a statement released Thursday.
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“It has been claimed that Mr. Geiger asked for the shirt of the captain of Portugal during the half-time interval. Mr. Geiger strongly refutes these claims and categorically states that such a request was not made.”
Given that Geiger has previously taken charge of multiple international matches, plus MLS games featuring the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard and Kaka, such a request would have been both remarkably unprofessional, and out of character.
Amrabat, who was concussed in Morocco’s opening game of the tournament and wore a protective helmet for part of the match, was not immediately available for further comment, requested through the Morocco Football Association.
Morocco’s 1-0 defeat to Portugal ended its hopes of progressing from its group. The North African nation suffered disappointment a week earlier, missing out to the joint USA/Mexico/Canada bid to stage the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s statement made it clear that it did not approve of Amrabat’s conduct.
“FIFA unequivocally condemns the allegations supposedly made by a member of the Morocco team,” the statement continued. “FIFA referees are under clear instructions with regard to their behavior and relationship with the teams at the (World Cup) and it can be confirmed that Mr. Geiger has acted in an exemplary and professional manner as an appointed match official.”