Germany are being investigated by FIFA after Hansi Flick defied World Cup rules ahead of their crucial clash with Spain over the weekend.
After losing to Japan by two goals to one in the first match of the tournament, Germany had to avoid defeat against Spain. They came from behind to draw 1-1, with Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug cancelling out Alvaro Morata's opener.
They play Costa Rica in their final group game on Thursday, but they will have to face FIFA's disciplinary commission before then.
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As per The Mirror, FIFA are investigating violations of Article 44 of the code each of the 32 teams at the World Cup signed up to. The clause states that teams must attend pre-match press conferences before every game with their manager and a player.
Before the Spain game, Flick came to speak to the press by himself, deliberately defying FIFA. The Germany coach explained that he decided against honouring the agreement because he didn't want one of his players to travel to and from the engagement.
“You sit in the car for a total of almost three hours,” he said. “And that’s before such an important game.”
Flick's decision appears to be a calculated gamble, with Kicker reporting that Germany are likely to receive a fine or a warning. On match day one, Germany clashed with FIFA over the OneLove armband controversy, as their players were pictured with hands over their mouths in the pre-game photo.
Germany have since considered taking legal action against FIFA over the row.
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