World Cup Official Press Conference 'Player Absence' Germany Fined 14 Million Won

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] Germany, which did not send players to the official press conference ahead of the Qatar World Cup group stage match, has been fined approximately 14 million KRW.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on the 29th, "The Disciplinary Committee has imposed a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (about 14 million KRW) and a warning on the German Football Association for violating the tournament's media and marketing regulations." FIFA explained that this sanction was "related to violations concerning the mandatory press conference held on the 26th ahead of the Spain vs. Germany match."

Germany was fined because only coach Hansi Flick attended the official press conference held on the 26th, the day before the second group E match against Spain. According to the regulations, the official press conference held one day before the match must be attended by the team's coach and at least one player. At the time, Coach Flick explained, "The round trip from the team’s accommodation to the press conference venue takes 2 to 3 hours," and "Since we have an important match tomorrow, I did not bring the players."

The German Football Association reportedly proposed holding the press conference at a location closer to the accommodation due to travel issues, but FIFA did not accept this, leading Germany to decide to accept the fine and have the players absent.

Germany later drew 1-1 in the second group E match against Spain. Having lost 1-2 to Japan in the first match, Germany remains at the bottom with 1 point but can still aim for advancement to the round of 16 in the final match against Costa Rica.