Thomas Tuchel has successfully resolved a dispute with FIFA concerning the positioning of photographers during national anthems at the World Cup. The manager had expressed frustration after being unable to see his players sing due to the presence of photographers before the match against Croatia.
Following Tuchel's complaints after the 4-2 victory over Croatia, FIFA officials amended the protocol for subsequent games. Photographers were instructed to bunch closer together before kick-off, and coaching teams were moved to the sides.
Despite the initial change, Tuchel appears to have maintained his stance. For the Group L clash against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, photographers were positioned to the side, allowing Tuchel and his coaching staff an unobstructed view as they lined up for the anthems. This outcome suggests Tuchel has emerged victorious in his negotiation with the international governing body.
Prior to the change, photographers at Wembley are typically positioned between the two dugouts during anthems, ensuring coaches on both sides have a clear view. This was not the case in Dallas for the Croatia match, a situation Tuchel highlighted post-game. "I'm begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers, because I could not see my team [during] the national anthem, and I was waiting for this moment," he stated.
A video captured Tuchel appearing angry with the photographers, remarking, "Very close guys, you're very close. You're very close I cannot see anything." He gestured and initially attempted to move past them before linking arms with his staff and watching the anthem on the stadium's big screen.
Tuchel elaborated on the experience, stating, "It was a very, very special moment today and I was standing in front of 50 photographers half a metre away and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience."