Sanctions could follow. FIFA to launch investigation into actions that damaged football's reputation

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there were several instances of coaches and players openly criticising refereeing decisions, and FIFA is now planning to investigate the incidents once the tournament concludes.

Details: According to The Athletic, FIFA will launch investigations after the World Cup into incidents that tarnished the reputation of the game. Throughout the tournament, match officials were subjected to intense criticism, prompting the governing body to review the matter.

FIFA has declined to comment publicly on the situation for now, but the investigations will go ahead. Referees' reports, along with other relevant evidence, will be examined as part of the process.

Meanwhile, following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, world football's governing body imposed sanctions on several member associations.

Reminder: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is continuing to push his proposal to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 participating teams.