2010 FIFA World Cup controversies

November 2022 None July 2010 The 2010 FIFA World Cup generated various controversies, including some from before the tournament started. Most centred on refereeing. Qualification France vs. Republic of Ireland 2009 Republic of Ireland v France football matches Ireland requests replay of FIFA World Cup play-off with FranceFIFA to make changes after Thierry Henry handball In the second leg of the qualification play-off match between France and the Republic of Ireland on 18 November 2009, French captain Thierry Henry, unseen by the referee and other match officials, illegally handled the ball twice in the lead up to the winning goal. The incident caused widespread debate about FIFA Fair Play, and how matches should be refereed at the highest level. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) requested a replay of the game on grounds of fairness, but was denied by FIFA under the Laws of the Game. https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1137489.html FIFA statement on FAI request FIFA 2009-11-20 2009-11-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20091123062736/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1137489.html 2009-11-23 dead On 2 December, FIFA called an extraordinary general meeting of the Executive Committee to discuss various issues, with the Henry incident high on the agenda. FIFA announced they would be setting up an inquiry into technology and extra officials in the game, but they did not announce a widely expected move of the fast-tracked introduction of goal-line referee's assistants, already being trialled in the UEFA Europa League, and confirmed the competition in South Africa would be officiated as normal with a referee, two assistants, and a fourth official.https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jO_FwfnIayPK8z-g_2K2KxWTfpPA FIFA reject extra referees proposal Press Association 2009-12-02 2009-12-03 https://archive.today/20200112200525/https://www.webcitation.org/5lkKZdcQw?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jO_FwfnIayPK8z-g_2K2KxWTfpPA 2020-01-12 dead On the subject of fair Play, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said: "I appeal to all the players and coaches to observe this fair play. In 2010 we want to prove that football is more than just kicking a ball but has social and cultural value...So we ask the players 'please observe fair play' so they will be an example to the rest of the world".http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8391388.stm Fifa to investigate Thierry Henry handball BBC Sport 2009-12-02 2009-12-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20091203213421/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8391388.stm 2009-12-03 dead On 5 June 2015 it was determined that the Football Association of Ireland were paid €5 million by FIFA not to protest about Thierry Henry's handball.https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/jun/04/jack-warner-fifa-corruption-i-have-kept-quiet-i-will-do-so-no-more-live Fifa crisis: FAI were paid after Thierry Henry handball, says John Delaney The Guardian 5 June 2015 Phipps Claire Hills David Meagher Gerard Lutz Tom Graham Bryan Armen Phipps Claire Phipps Claire Algeria vs. Egypt 2009 Algeria v Egypt football matches The teams finished level on 13 points and level on all tiebreakers: goal difference in all group matches (+5); goals scored in all group matches (9); points in all Algeria–Egypt matches (3); and goal difference in all Algeria–Egypt matches (0). (The away goals rule was not used as a group-stage tiebreaker). The teams met in a one-game play-off to decide the qualifier. To determine the match venue, each team selected a country other than their own (Algeria selected Tunisia and Egypt selected Sudan). After Sudan was drawn in a lottery on 11 November,Sudan to host possible play-off, FIFA.com, 11 November 2009. the Al Merreikh Stadium in Omdurman was selected by FIFA as the venue for the play-off. The decision to play a tie-breaking playoff game to determine who qualifies to the 2010 FIFA World Cup was controversial because despite the fact that Algeria and Egypt were level on all tiebreakers listed above, Egypt would have qualified based on the away goals rule, which was used to determine the winner of a tie in the case of a tiebreaker in both previous and subsequent qualifiers.https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf Regulations 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa 21, §17.6 Preliminary draw, format of play and group formation – preliminary competition 12 June 2009 July 2007 FIFA.com FIFA Zurich, Switzerland dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070926230651/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf 26 September 2007 Bandini Nicky 2009-11-18 World Cup play-off: Algeria v Egypt - as it happened en-GB the Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/nov/18/algeria-egypt-live-world-cup-playoff 2023-12-04 0261-3077 Algeria won the match in Sudan 1–0 to qualify for the World Cup. Animal sacrifices Plans to slaughter a cow at each stadium to be used for the World Cup generated concern among animal rights groups. The Makhonya Royal Trust proposed the concept stating the cattle killing event was a "true African" way of blessing the tournament.World Cup stadium 'cow sacrifice' plan sparks row. BBC News website, updated at 16:22 GMT, Tuesday, 1 December 2009. "We must have a cultural ceremony of some sort, where we are going to slaughter a beast. We sacrifice the cow for this great achievement and we call on our ancestors to bless, to grace, to ensure that all goes well. The World Cup will be on the African continent and we will make sure that African values and cultures are felt by the visitors." The issue of cattle sacrifice was discussed by a High Court. Judge Nic Van der Reyden said the matter needed to be taken up by politicians.Sangomas sacrifice ox to bless the World Cup stadiums. Cape Times. An ox was slaughtered at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on 25 May. A place was created within the Soccer City precinct to act as a "kraal" where the ox was slaughtered. After that, the senior traditional healers walked into the stadium in song, drum-beating and dance, where they continued to bless the inside of the stadium with rituals. Group stage Brazil vs. Côte d'Ivoire Brazilian striker Luís Fabiano handled the ball twice in the build-up to Brazil's second goal, which helped Brazil win the match 3–1.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8750795.stm World Cup 2010: Eriksson tips Brazil to win Cup 20 June 2010 BBC Sport 28 June 2010 Brazilian midfielder Kaká was sent off late in the game for a collision with Ivorian midfielder Kader Keïta. Replays showed Keïta had run into Kaká's side, deliberately striking Kaká's shoulder, and then fell to the ground holding his face in a successful attempt to have Kaká sent off.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8750797.stm World Cup 2010: Red-carded Kaka will focus on form 21 June 2010 BBC Sport 28 June 2010 Slovenia vs. USA With the match tied 2–2 in the 86th minute, Maurice Edu of the United States appeared to score the winning goal from a set piece, but referee Koman Coulibaly disallowed the goal and awarded a free-kick to Slovenia. Because Coulibaly had blown for the free-kick before the goal had been scored, he was not required to (and did not) explain the call on the pitch or to FIFA officials afterwards. Replays showed numerous Slovenian players pulling and hanging on Americans, fighting for position in the box, but no foul or offsides by the Americans was apparent to justify disallowing the goal. US striker Robbie Findley was also given a mysterious yellow card, which resulted in him missing the next match against Algeria. Although the match ended in a 2–2 draw, the United States ultimately went on to win the group. Coulibaly received a "poor" performance review for the match and was selected to only one additional match in the tournament, as the 4th referee.http://bleacherreport.com/articles/408418-2010-world-cup-soccergate-koman-coulibaly-costs-us-and-may-be-out https://web.archive.org/web/20100623015220/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/408418-2010-world-cup-soccergate-koman-coulibaly-costs-us-and-may-be-out dead June 23, 2010 USA vs. Slovenia 2010 World Cup: Koman Coulibaly Costs the U.S. and May Be Out 19 June 2010 Bleacher Report 1 July 2012 Australia vs. Serbia After the previous two matches, both could still reach the round of 16. However, with Australia having one point and a -4 goal difference while Serbia had three points and a 0 goal difference, Serbia seemingly had the better chance to advance to the next round. During the last minutes of the match, with Serbia losing 2-1, Australia's Tim Cahill clearly hit the ball with his hand in the box, but the officials decided not to award a penalty for Serbia, and play continued;World Cup 2010: Missed handball enrages Serbia manager Page last updated at 22:28 GMT, Wednesday, 23 June 2010 23:28 UKAustralia – 2010 Soccer World Cup, April 01, 2015. also Serbia had a late goal disallowed for what appeared to be a questionable offside.World Cup 2010 final score: Australia 2, Serbia 1. (The Star-Ledger) By Colin Stephenson, on June 23, 2010 at 1:40 PM, updated June 23, 2010 at 10:19 PM With Ghana losing to Germany 1–0, a second goal would have given Serbia runners-up spot in the group and advancement to the Round of 16. Round of 16 On 27 June, during two round of 16 matches, two incidents occurred that led to renewed debate over the lack of video technology in refereeing"England v Germany: Fifa want 'better refereeing' not goal-line technology", The Telegraph, June 27, 2010"Mondial: le but refusé à Lampard va relancer le débat sur la vidéo", AFP, June 27, 2010"World Cup 2010: Lampard calls for goal-line technology", BBC, June 27, 2010"World Cup 2010: Gordon Smith calls for use of goal-line technology", The Telegraph, June 26, 2010"World Cup 2010: Sports minister joins calls for goal-line technology", The Guardian, June 27, 2010– the disallowing of England midfielder Frank Lampard's goal against Germany, and an Argentinian goal against Mexico that was allowed despite being scored from an offside position. Germany vs. England During England's 4–1 loss to Germany, Lampard's shot hit the crossbar and then crossed the goal-line before bouncing back out to German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/pictures/7857609/England-v-Germany-Frank-Lampard-denied-goal-by-Uruguayan-linesman-in-pictures.html?image=3 https://web.archive.org/web/20100630074543/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/pictures/7857609/England-v-Germany-Frank-Lampard-denied-goal-by-Uruguayan-linesman-in-pictures.html?image=3 dead 30 June 2010 London The Daily Telegraph England v Germany: Frank Lampard denied goal by Uruguayan linesman - in pictures 27 June 2010 Linesman Mauricio Espinosa and referee Jorge Larrionda did not award the goal but subsequent replayshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/8768512.stm BBC News FAW boss rejects technology idea 28 June 2010 and photographic evidencehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7857382/England-v-Germany-Frank-Lampards-disallowed-goal-highlights-stupidity-of-Fifas-ruling.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100630074608/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7857382/England-v-Germany-Frank-Lampards-disallowed-goal-highlights-stupidity-of-Fifas-ruling.html dead 30 June 2010 London The Daily Telegraph England v Germany: Frank Lampard's disallowed goal highlights stupidity of Fifa Kevin Garside 27 June 2010 showed the ball had indeed crossed the goal-line. This incident reignited demands for goal-line technology. This was also significant as England were trailing 1–2 at the time so had Lampard's "goal" have stood then it would have brought England level in the match. Argentina vs Mexico During the Argentina vs. Mexico match Carlos Tevez scored from an offside position from within the Mexican penalty box when the game stood at 0–0. Although against FIFA's ruling, the screens inside the stadium of Soccer City showed replays of Tevez more than a yard offside when Lionel Messi played the ball towards him. The goal stood, causing uproar and protests from the Mexican players and staff. Referee Roberto Rosetti stuck with his decision. Argentina subsequently won the match 3–1."Argentina 3-1 Mexico", BBC, June 27, 2010 Following the Argentinian goal, BBC commentators wrote that "linesman Stefano Ayroldi [...] somehow allowed Carlos Tevez's goal to stand before a ridiculous situation developed where he, referee Roberto Rosetti and everyone in the stadium watched replays on the huge screens show exactly how far offside Tevez was"; pundit Alan Hansen added: "Before today I was not an advocate of technology in football, but now I am a convert."Argentina - Mexico, BBC, June 27, 2010 Associated Press sports columnist John Leicester reacted to the match between England and Germany by writing: " FIFA fears that technology would undermine the authority of referees and their assistants. But the reverse is in fact happening. Match officials are being made to look like idiots because they are not getting the help that they need. [...] [B]alls, as Lampard proved, can bounce in and out of goal so quickly that a linesman can miss it if he's not paying attention, blinks, is screened or for whatever reason is looking away. That's why technology is needed. And the time to introduce it was yesterday. Blatter has some explaining to do.""FIFA, don't ignore the Blunder in Bloemfontein", Associated Press, June 27, 2010 The press spoke of: "two great victories [...] overshadowed by controversies emanating from two crucial mistakes made by match officials"."World Cup errors highlight need for technology rethink", The Times (South Africa), June 28, 2010 A few days later, FIFA President Sepp Blatter stated that he deplored the "evident referee mistakes" in England vs. Germany and Mexico vs. Argentina matches, and apologised to the English and Mexican football federations ("the two federations directly concerned by referee's mistakes"). He added: "It is obvious that after the experiences so far at this World Cup it would be a nonsense not to re-open the file on goal-line technology. [...] We will come out with a new model in November on how to improve high-level referees. [...] I cannot disclose more of what we are doing but something has to be changed.""World Cup 2010: Blatter sorry for disallowed goal", BBC, June 29, 2010"World Cup 2010: Sepp Blatter says sorry to England for disallowed goal", The Guardian, June 29, 2010 Suárez handball thumb|upright|Luis Suárez (left) In extra time of a quarter-final match against Ghana, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez handled the ball in the penalty area to prevent a last-minute game-winning Ghana goal.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/04/luis-suarez-world-cup-villian-hand-of-god London The Guardian Luis Suarez is new World Cup villain after 'hand of God' claim Jamie Doward 4 July 2010 Suárez was shown a red card and Ghana's Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty kick. Ghana subsequently lost the match, 4–2, in the penalty shoot-out. The African press named Uruguay public enemy No.1 and described them as cheats.Tabarez tires of cheat calls. CBS Sports, 06 Jul 2010 |10:07 SAST. https://web.archive.org/web/20100709201348/http://www.worldcup.cbssports.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C13041~2085070%2C00.html July 9, 2010 Suárez was unapologetic about his handball, stating "I made the best save of the tournament."https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/uruguay/7870586/World-Cup-2010-Uruguays-Luis-Suarez-revels-in-second-coming-of-Hand-of-God.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100706011427/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/uruguay/7870586/World-Cup-2010-Uruguays-Luis-Suarez-revels-in-second-coming-of-Hand-of-God.html dead 6 July 2010 London The Daily Telegraph World Cup 2010: Uruguay's Luis Suárez revels in second coming of Hand of God Ian Chadband 3 July 2010 Suárez boasted after the match of his handball save, claiming that "The 'Hand of God' now belongs to me," a reference to the handball goal scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup. Ghana's coach Milovan Rajevac argued that Suárez's actions were "really shocking," describing the result as a "football injustice."https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/uruguay/7870586/World-Cup-2010-Uruguays-Luis-Suarez-revels-in-second-coming-of-Hand-of-God.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100706011427/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/uruguay/7870586/World-Cup-2010-Uruguays-Luis-Suarez-revels-in-second-coming-of-Hand-of-God.html dead 6 July 2010 World Cup 2010: Uruguay's Luis Suárez revels in second coming of Hand of God Chadband Ian 3 July 2010 The Daily Telegraph 3 July 2010 London Uruguay's coach Óscar Tabárez defended Suárez: "Saying we cheated Ghana is too harsh a word to use. ... We also abide by what the referee did. It could have been a mistake. Yes, he stuck his hand out, but it's not cheating. What else do you want? Is Suárez also to blame for Ghana missing the penalty? We try to be dignified, and if we lose a match, we look for the reasons for it. You shouldn't look to third parties." FIFA reviewed the possibility of increasing Suárez's ban but decided against punishing him for 'unsportsmanlike conduct'. This opened up a discussion on gamesmanship, asking the question of whether players in that situation should be condemned as a cheat, or applauded for their resourcefulness. One pundit, Paul Fletcher of the BBC, implied that most players would do the same thing in the 'heat of the moment' in order to avoid defeat.https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/2010/07/luis_suarez_hero_or_villain.html#228885 Luis Suarez – hero or villain? Fletcher Paul 3 July 2010 BBC Sport 3 July 2010 Ghana's sports minister, Akua Sena Dansua, called for changes to the rules in such circumstances.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/10537133.stm BBC News Ghana calls for Fifa rule change 7 July 2010 French team discord thumb|Nicolas Anelka was sent home from the World Cup, and was one of five players summoned to the FFF for discord The French team had significant troubles with team dissension at the World Cup. The press was strongly critical of both players and coaches. This followed a highly disappointing UEFA Euro 2008 first round exit, and a difficult qualification campaign. After controversially winning their play-off meeting with the Republic of Ireland, the French players appeared aloof to the public as they headed straight for the dressing room instead of signing autographs. Several players were questioned by police just prior to the Finals in South Africa, following a raid on a Paris nightclub renowned for arranging dates between wealthy clients and underage prostitutes. Before the tournament began, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced that head coach Raymond Domenech will leave his position at the end of the tournament.https://nationalpost.com/news/world-cup-le-collapse-scandalizes-france World Cup: Le Collapse scandalizes France Joe O'Connor 22 June 2010 National Post Striker Nicolas Anelka delivered a profanity-laden criticism at Domenech as the team was losing to Mexico.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8749698.stm World Cup 2010: Nicolas Anelka sent home after bust-up The Guardian 19 June 2010 19 June 2010 Anelka was sent home after refusing to apologise. The following day, captain and left wingback Patrice Evra was caught on camera in a heated argument with trainer Robert Duverne, which eventually led to intervention by others in the camp.French football in chaos after players' mutiny https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jJUAsTmR7HSPud4_PSwWxUvvRcwQ https://web.archive.org/web/20100625053451/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jJUAsTmR7HSPud4_PSwWxUvvRcwQ dead June 25, 2010 Agence France-Presse 20 June 2010 21 June 2010 The players boycotted training for one day in protest at the FFF decision to dismiss Anelka. In turn, managing director Jean-Louis Valentin then resigned in disgust at the players' actions.Brazil advances, Italy held to another WCup draw https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcsf1SvkjHh5TP4yYWGuVIkogLSgD9GFGVU80 https://web.archive.org/web/20100625142532/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcsf1SvkjHh5TP4yYWGuVIkogLSgD9GFGVU80 dead June 25, 2010 Associated Press 20 June 2010 21 June 2010 On the orders of President Nicolas Sarkozy, Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot held an emotional meeting with the team where she admonished the players saying "How would you like people to remember you? What image do you want to leave behind?".Bachelot reduces French World Cup players to tears, archived online. https://web.archive.org/web/20100625052402/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i6DlEmqjhIryg_eszxSEz0bfscuAD9GGC1LG0 June 25, 2010 This reportedly reduced the players, especially the younger ones, to tears and they applauded her. Later at an impromptu media briefing at the Free State Stadium, Bachelot said "I told the players they had tarnished the image of France. It is a morale disaster for French football. I told them they could no longer be heroes for our children. They have destroyed the dreams of their countrymen, their friends and supporters." The players apologised to Domenech and resumed practice the next day. Patrice Evra was dropped for the final group game.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/france/7846138/World-Cup-2010-French-sports-minister-blasts-France-squad-over-protest.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100625044406/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/france/7846138/World-Cup-2010-French-sports-minister-blasts-France-squad-over-protest.html dead 25 June 2010 London The Daily Telegraph World Cup 2010: French sports minister blasts France squad over protest 22 June 2010 Following the team's final defeat to hosts South Africa, Domenech refused to shake the hand of opposing coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8754572.stm World Cup 2010: Domenech snubs Parreira handshake BBC Sport online edition BBC News 23 June 2010 29 June 2010 Domenech was strongly criticised in the French press, with sports daily L'Équipe accusing Domenech of "arrogance and an attitude of contempt for others". The French team flew home in economy class. The fallout continued after the team's return to France, with FFF President Jean-Pierre Escalettes announcing his resignation.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8756210.stm World Cup 2010: French chief quits after fiasco 28 June 2010 BBC Sport 29 June 2010 Escalettes has stated that Anelka will never be picked again for the national team.http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/sports/201007/55041.php Archived copy 2010-07-07 2016-03-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190335/http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/sports/201007/55041.php dead Former defender Lilian Thuram has said "I asked for the players to be severely punished and for Patrice Evra never to come back into the France team. When you are captain of France, there is a responsibility and a respect for the shirt and for people that you have to have."Blanc in but Evra could be out: Laurent Blanc officially takes over while France legend Lilian Thuram calls for captain Patrice Evra to be banned, CBS Sports; 02 Jul 2010 | 15:11 SAST. Archived online. The entire World Cup squad was suspended for their next game against Norway by the FFF, upon request by the new manager Laurent Blanc.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8849972.stm France World Cup squad suspended for Norway friendly BBC Sport 23 July 2010 22 August 2010 Five players were identified as having been key to the embarrassing events at the tournament; Nicolas Anelka, Patrice Evra, Franck Ribéry, Jérémy Toulalan and Eric Abidal were summoned to a hearing before the FFF disciplinary committee on 17 August 2010. After the expulsion of Anelka and ensuing training strike, Evra and Ribéry were summoned for failing in their duties as captain and vice captain, Toulalan was seen as the originator of the statement read out by coach Domenech to the media, while Abidal was accused of refusing to play in the final group match. After the hearing, Anelka was banned from playing for France for 18 games, Evra was banned for five, Ribéry for three, and Toulalan for one, while Abidal escaped punishment. Anelka dismissed the sanction as irrelevant, considering himself already retired from international football.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8893705.stm Nicolas Anelka laughs at 'nonsense' 18-match French ban BBC Sport 18 August 2010 18 August 2010https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/17/nicolas-anelka-banned-for-18-matches-france Nicolas Anelka suspended for 18 matches by France over World Cup revolt The Guardian 17 August 2010 18 August 2010 London Lizzy Davies Final 2010 FIFA World Cup Final#Post-match The final was particularly controversial due to the high number of yellow cards issued (fourteen, resulting in one sending-off). The most notable incident was Nigel de Jong's kick into the midriff of Xabi Alonso, punished only with a booking from referee Howard Webb, who subsequently admitted he should have shown a red card.Paul Wilson I should have shown Nigel de Jong a red card, says Howard Webb https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/25/howard-webb-world-cup-final The Guardian London 25 August 2010 23 November 2010 Just before the game-winning goal was scored, the Dutch team had a free kick that hit the wall (apparently taking a deflection off Cesc Fàbregas) before going out.World Cup 2010: Dutch coach criticises referee Webb http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8809048.stm BBC Sport British Broadcasting Corporation 12 July 2010 12 July 2010 2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain vs. Netherlands. Spain Wins Andres Iniesta Goal http://www.barcelonareporter.com/index.php?/news/comments/2010_fifa_world_cup_final_spain_vs._netherlands._spain_wins_andres_iniesta_/ Barcelona Reporter 15 July 2010 15 July 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110513031733/http://www.barcelonareporter.com/index.php?%2Fnews%2Fcomments%2F2010_fifa_world_cup_final_spain_vs._netherlands._spain_wins_andres_iniesta_%2F 13 May 2011 Final – Spain vs. Holland (Sneijder's free kick hits the wall) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckcg-JSlYJI YouTube 13 July 2010 15 July 2010 February 2022 Despite the deflection, which should have given possession and a corner kick to the Dutch team, a goal kick was given to the Spanish, starting the play that led to the winning goal. The Dutch, however, momentarily had possession of the ball near the Spanish penalty area in between the goal kick and Iniesta's goal. Joris Mathijsen was yellow-carded for his strong protests to the referee after the goal, and other Dutch players criticised Webb for this decision after the match. Both teams were fined by FIFA due to the ill-discipline of the match.espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5433184/fifa-fines-netherlands-spain-final-fouls Netherlands, Spain fined for final foulsUpdated: August 3, 2010, 8:46 AM ETAssociated PressFIFA Fine Spain & Netherlands £6,000 & £9,000 Respectively For Poor Discipline During World Cup 2010 Final. By Adithya Ananth, Aug 3, 2010 12:22:00 Despite this, Spain was still awarded FIFA's Fair Play award for the tournament after the final, Spain had earned only 8 yellow cards throughout (the lowest of the four semi-finalists). Others Third-party ambush marketing During the Netherlands v Denmark group stage match, several women were removed from the stadium and later detained. It later emerged they were models for Bavaria beer.How ambush marketing ambushed sport. BBC News Magazine. Page last updated at 08:30 GMT, Thursday, 17 June 2010 09:30 UK. The tickets were sold to Bavaria by a friend of Robbie Earle, who was working as a pundit at the tournament for ITV Sport of the United Kingdom. ITV immediately cancelled Earle's contract with the network, citing that the tickets were only meant for his friends and family.World Cup 2010: ITV sacks Robbie Earle for breaking ticket regulations. Match ball Adidas Jabulani The official ball for the tournament, the Jabulani, was widely criticisedControversy over new World Cup ball. By Helen Chandler, CNN. June 3, 2010 -- Updated 1257 GMT (2057 HKT). by several players, although others came out in its defence. Nigeria team ban In the aftermath of the tournament, Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan announced a 2-year ban on the men's national side due to its perceived poor performance. This move drew serious criticism and condemnation for all sides, and FIFA threatened sanctions in return for what it saw as "political interference". The ban was lifted shortly after. North Korea The North Korean team cancelled its national championship to prepare for the Cup via a world tour. Following the perceived poor performance of the team, particularly against Portugal, the team were forced to blame the coach to avoid punishment on their return to North Korea.North Korea's failed World Cup footballers undergo public mauling : Footballers subjected to six-hour excoriation on stage for 'betraying' North Korea and Kim Jong-il's son and heir, Justin McCurry. The Guardian.com, Friday 30 July 2010 17.31 BST. References Controversies 2010 Category:2010 controversies Category:Foreign relations of South Africa Category:Controversies in South Africa Category:Criticism of sports