FIFA broke own rules by dressing Messi in robe after World Cup final

FIFA were guilty of breaking their own regulations by draping Lionel Messi in a traditional Qatari robe before the World Cup trophy presentation on Sunday night, according to former Tottenham star Ramon Vega. Messi scored twice in a spellbinding performance on the biggest stage of them all to help Argentina down France and win the World Cup for a third time, with their latest triumph marking their first since Diego Maradona led the Albiceleste to victory in 1986.

Messi stepped up after the full-time whistle to lift the iconic trophy in his role as Argentina captain and was greeted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who dressed the 35-year-old in a traditional robe known as a bisht. The garment is usually worn at major events such as weddings and is a symbol of prestige and honour, although it has since been pointed out that FIFA broke their own rules by allowing Messi to wear it for the trophy presentation.

Vega, who captained Switzerland at times throughout his own playing career, took to Twitter to highlight the FIFA regulation that prevents players from wearing ‘celebratory attire’ during official activities, which suggests that Messi was in breach of the rule when he donned the bisht before lifting the World Cup trophy with his Argentina team-mates.

Rule 27.2 states: “In FIFA final competitions, celebratory attire may only be worn on the field of play after the following official FIFA activities have taken place (during which the team must wear the shirts they wore during the match in question).

“[These include] the trophy presentation; official FIFA photographs; and official media appearances.”

Messi appeared to be taken by surprise when he was presented with the robe prior to receiving the World Cup trophy and wore it as Argentina celebrated their first World Cup triumph in 36 years before swiftly removing it as he ventured off the podium and met his family on the pitch. The presence of the bisht sparked a mixed reaction from onlookers, with many suggesting that FIFA should not have covered up Messi’s shirt as he lifted the World Cup above his head in what was arguably the biggest triumph of his career to date.

Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of Qatar’s organising committee, revealed to BBC Sport after the trophy presentation that the gesture was intended to honour Messi and was significant as it paid homage to Arab tradition at the first World Cup to ever be held in the region.

“‘It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations,” said Al Thawadi. “This was a celebration of Messi. The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture.

“This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration. People from different walks of life were able to come, experience what was happening here and get to understand that we may not see eye to eye on everything, but we can still celebrate together.”

MORE TO FOLLOW

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: /sport

Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion, and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.

We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.