Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has strongly rebuked the comment made by Diego Maradona after the round of 16 game between England and Columbia.
Maradona had said the match was a “monumental robbery” in favour of the English team, and even went ahead as to say: Geiger (referee), an American, what a coincidence.”
FIFA have been swift to rebuke the statement from the former Napoli player. A statement reads:
“Following comments made by Diego Armando Maradona…FIFA strongly rebukes the criticism of the performance of the match officials which it considers to have been positive in a tough and highly emotional match,” said the global soccer body in a statement.
“It also considers the additional comments and insinuations made as being entirely inappropriate and completely unfounded.”
FIFA also said it was “extremely sorry to read such declarations from a player who has written the history of our game.”
England won the game against Colombia through panalties to advance to the quarter final where they will face Sweden.