FIFA updates World Cup photographer guidelines after Thomas Tuchel criticism
María Pilar Ruiz
— · 2 min read
FIFA has updated guidelines to allow national team head coaches the freedom to stand close to photographers during pre-match ceremonies. The decision was made following complaints from Tomas Tuchel after England's win against Croatia. Before the match, Tuchel indicated that he was unable to see his team due to the close proximity of photographers.
"I request FIFA to change the position of the photographers, because I could not see my team and I was waiting for this moment," said Tuchel. "It was a very special moment today and I was standing in front of 50 photographers and I couldn't see any of the players. It kind of spoiled my experience."
Following these comments, FIFA has clarified that national team head coaches and their staff will be given the option to step out of the dugout and stand with photographers — left or right, depending on which side they are on — to get a clear view of the ground and pitch.
One of the problems in Dallas was that in order to host World Cup matches, the pitch had to be raised by a little over a meter, as it was previously wide and did not comply with the regulations. This meant that the space between the dugout and the touchline was narrower than elsewhere, causing Tuchel to stand closer to the photographers. Photographers stood in their designated area, and were not allowed to move back onto the pitch to make more room. Nevertheless, FIFA recognized that an adviser was needed.
Their updated guidelines have already been used since the 1-1 draw between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Wednesday. National teams must specify during the pre-match executive meeting where the coaches are to stand for the pre-match ceremony. Although this will be a uniform approach across all 16 venues, this will not apply to every stadium as some are large.
