FIFA gets shirty over Amrabat’s claim US ref Geiger asked for Ronaldo’s jersey

June 22 – FIFA have categorically denied claims that American referee Mark Geiger asked for  Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt during Wednesday’s match between Portugal and Morocco.

After the game, amid the bitter taste of defeat, Moroccan winger Noureddine Amrabat accused Geiger of having asked for Ronaldo’s shirt at halftime, saying he found out through Portuguese defender Pepe.

Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game to condemn Morocco to elimination and afterwards Amrabat, the Moroccan at the centre of the concussion row, commented: “What are we talking about? At the World Cup? It’s not a circus here. I do not know what he is used to, but he was very impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo, and I hear from Pepe that he asked in the first half if he should have his shirt.”

Breaking with its protocol of not commenting on individual incidents, FIFA angrily rejected the accusations saying no such thing happened.

“It is with regret and disappointment that, following yesterday’s Group B game between Portugal and Morocco, FIFA has learnt reports in the media concerning the referee Mark Geiger,” a statement said.

“It has been claimed that Mr. Geiger asked for the shirt of the captain of Portugal (Ronaldo) during the half-time interval. Mr. Geiger strongly refutes these claims and categorically states that such a request was not made.

“FIFA unequivocally condemns the allegations supposedly made by a member of the Moroccan team. FIFA referees are under clear instructions with regards to their behaviour and relationship with the teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and it can be confirmed that Geiger has acted in an exemplary and professional manner as an appointed match official.”

Geiger is taking part in his second World Cup having officiated in three games in Brazil.

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