FIFA have opened an investigation against the DFB for violating the press conference rules. The World Federation announced on Monday that the Disciplinary Commission is investigating violations of Article 44 of the World Cup regulations made available to all 32 participating nations.
This comes after Hansi Flick conducted Germany’s pre-match press conference without a player present as he didn’t want to put any member of his squad through an hour-long drive to the international media centre in Doha. Per the regulations, all nations are obliged to have a player, alongside the coach, answering questions for the world media prior to each game.
“You sit in the car for a total of almost three hours,” said Flick when explaining why a player wasn’t present. “And that’s before such an important game [against Spain].”
The DFB had suggested moving the press conference to the German camp in Al-Shamal, next to their training ground, but FIFA rejected the request. Germany’s camp is situated 100km north of Doha.
Kicker report that as a consequence, there’s a potential for a warning or a fine. Flick is expected back in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on Wednesday, the day before they face a crucial game against Costa Rica.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
