Thomas Tuchel didn’t stay quiet and FIFA wasted no time responding.
After England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, the Three Lions boss blasted FIFA over photographers blocking his view of his players during the national anthem, calling it a moment that “ruined” part of his World Cup experience. Tuchel revealed he was forced to watch the ceremony on the stadium’s giant screen because dozens of photographers were standing directly in front of the England bench.
FIFA has now reacted by changing its pre-match protocol. Photographers will be repositioned and grouped closer to the halfway line, while coaches will have a clearer, unobstructed view of their players during the national anthems. The revised setup was introduced immediately for subsequent World Cup matches.
It’s a rare example of FIFA making an in-tournament adjustment following a manager’s public criticism—and Tuchel has already scored an off-the-pitch victory before England’s next World Cup clash.
