List of 2010 FIFA World Cup controversies

Last updated

The 2010 FIFA World Cup generated various controversies, including some from before the tournament started. Most centred on refereeing.

Contents

Qualification

France vs. Republic of Ireland

In the second leg of the qualification play-off match between France and the Republic of Ireland on 18 November 2009, French captain Thierry Henry, unseen by the referee and other match officials, illegally handled the ball twice in the lead up to the winning goal. The incident caused widespread debate about FIFA Fair Play, and how matches should be refereed at the highest level. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) requested a replay of the game on grounds of fairness, but was denied by FIFA under the Laws of the Game. [1] On 2 December, FIFA called an extraordinary general meeting of the Executive Committee to discuss various issues, with the Henry incident high on the agenda. FIFA announced they would be setting up an inquiry into technology and extra officials in the game, but they did not announce a widely expected move of the fast-tracked introduction of goal-line referee's assistants, already being trialled in the UEFA Europa League, and confirmed the competition in South Africa would be officiated as normal with a referee, two assistants, and a fourth official. [2] On the subject of fair Play, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said:

"I appeal to all the players and coaches to observe this fair play. In 2010 we want to prove that football is more than just kicking a ball but has social and cultural value...So we ask the players 'please observe fair play' so they will be an example to the rest of the world". [3]

On 5 June 2015 it was determined that the Football Association of Ireland were paid €5 million by FIFA not to protest about Thierry Henry's handball. [4]

Algeria vs. Egypt

The teams finished level on 13 points and level on all tiebreakers: goal difference in all group matches (+5); goals scored in all group matches (9); points in all Algeria–Egypt matches (3); and goal difference in all Algeria–Egypt matches (0). (The away goals rule was not used as a group-stage tiebreaker). The teams met in a one-game play-off to decide the qualifier. To determine the match venue, each team selected a country other than their own (Algeria selected Tunisia and Egypt selected Sudan). After Sudan was drawn in a lottery on 11 November, [5] the Al Merreikh Stadium in Omdurman was selected by FIFA as the venue for the play-off. The decision to play a tie-breaking playoff game to determine who qualifies to the 2010 FIFA World Cup was controversial because despite the fact that Algeria and Egypt were level on all tiebreakers listed above, Egypt would have qualified based on the away goals rule, which was used to determine the winner of a tie in the case of a tiebreaker in both previous and subsequent qualifiers. [6] Algeria won the match in Sudan 1–0 to qualify for the World Cup.

Animal sacrifices

Plans to slaughter a cow at each stadium to be used for the World Cup generated concern among animal rights groups. The Makhonya Royal Trust proposed the concept stating the cattle killing event was a "true African" way of blessing the tournament. [7]

"We must have a cultural ceremony of some sort, where we are going to slaughter a beast. We sacrifice the cow for this great achievement and we call on our ancestors to bless, to grace, to ensure that all goes well. The World Cup will be on the African continent and we will make sure that African values and cultures are felt by the visitors." [7]

The issue of cattle sacrifice was discussed by a High Court. Judge Nic Van der Reyden said the matter needed to be taken up by politicians. [8]

An ox was slaughtered at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on 25 May. A place was created within the Soccer City precinct to act as a "kraal" where the ox was slaughtered. After that, the senior traditional healers walked into the stadium in song, drum-beating and dance, where they continued to bless the inside of the stadium with rituals. [8]

Group stage

Brazil vs. Côte d'Ivoire

Brazilian striker Luís Fabiano handled the ball twice in the build-up to Brazil's second goal, which helped Brazil win the match 3–1. [9] Brazilian midfielder Kaká was sent off late in the game for a collision with Ivorian midfielder Kader Keïta. Replays showed Keïta had run into Kaká's side, deliberately striking Kaká's shoulder, and then fell to the ground holding his face in a successful attempt to have Kaká sent off. [10]

Slovenia vs. USA

With the match tied 2–2 in the 86th minute, Maurice Edu of the United States appeared to score the winning goal from a set piece, but referee Koman Coulibaly disallowed the goal and awarded a free-kick to Slovenia. Because Coulibaly had blown for the free-kick before the goal had been scored, he was not required to (and did not) explain the call on the pitch or to FIFA officials afterwards. Replays showed numerous Slovenian players pulling and hanging on Americans, fighting for position in the box, but no foul or offsides by the Americans was apparent to justify disallowing the goal. US striker Robbie Findley was also given a mysterious yellow card, which resulted in him missing the next match against Algeria. Although the match ended in a 2–2 draw, the United States ultimately went on to win the group. Coulibaly received a "poor" performance review for the match and was selected to only one additional match in the tournament, as the 4th referee. [11]

Australia vs. Serbia

After the previous two matches, both had a chance of qualifying. However, with the other game being Ghana vs. Germany, Serbia seemingly had the better chance to advance to the next round (due to a superior head-to-head record against likely group winners Germany). During the last minutes of the match, with Serbia losing 2-1, Australia's Tim Cahill clearly hit the ball with his hand in the box, but the officials decided not to award a penalty for Serbia, and play continued; [12] [13] also Serbia had a late goal disallowed for what appeared to be a questionable offside. [12] [14] With Ghana losing to Germany 1–0, a second goal would have given Serbia runners-up spot in the group and advancement to the Round of 16. [12]

Round of 16

On 27 June, during two round of 16 matches, two incidents occurred that led to renewed debate over the lack of video technology in refereeing [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] – the disallowing of England midfielder Frank Lampard's goal against Germany, and an Argentinian goal against Mexico that was allowed despite being scored from an offside position.

Germany vs. England

During England's 4–1 loss to Germany, Lampard's shot hit the crossbar and then crossed the goal-line before bouncing back out to German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. [20] Linesman Mauricio Espinosa and referee Jorge Larrionda did not award the goal but subsequent replays [21] and photographic evidence [22] showed the ball had indeed crossed the goal-line. This incident reignited demands for goal-line technology. This was also significant as England were trailing 1–2 at the time so had Lampard's "goal" have stood then it would have brought England level in the match.

Argentina vs Mexico

During the Argentina vs. Mexico match Carlos Tevez scored from an offside position from within the Mexican penalty box when the game stood at 0–0. Although against FIFA's ruling, the screens inside the stadium of Soccer City showed replays of Tevez more than a yard offside when Lionel Messi played the ball towards him. The goal stood, causing uproar and protests from the Mexican players and staff. Referee Roberto Rosetti stuck with his decision. Argentina subsequently won the match 3–1. [23] Following the Argentinian goal, BBC commentators wrote that "linesman Stefano Ayroldi [...] somehow allowed Carlos Tevez's goal to stand before a ridiculous situation developed where he, referee Roberto Rosetti and everyone in the stadium watched replays on the huge screens show exactly how far offside Tevez was"; pundit Alan Hansen added: "Before today I was not an advocate of technology in football, but now I am a convert." [24] Associated Press sports columnist John Leicester reacted to the match between England and Germany by writing:

" FIFA fears that technology would undermine the authority of referees and their assistants. But the reverse is in fact happening. Match officials are being made to look like idiots because they are not getting the help that they need. [...] [B]alls, as Lampard proved, can bounce in and out of goal so quickly that a linesman can miss it if he's not paying attention, blinks, is screened or for whatever reason is looking away. That's why technology is needed. And the time to introduce it was yesterday. Blatter has some explaining to do." [25]

The press spoke of:

"two great victories [...] overshadowed by controversies emanating from two crucial mistakes made by match officials". [26]

A few days later, FIFA President Sepp Blatter stated that he deplored the "evident referee mistakes" in England vs. Germany and Mexico vs. Argentina matches, and apologised to the English and Mexican football federations ("the two federations directly concerned by referee's mistakes"). He added: "It is obvious that after the experiences so far at this World Cup it would be a nonsense not to re-open the file on goal-line technology. [...] We will come out with a new model in November on how to improve high-level referees. [...] I cannot disclose more of what we are doing but something has to be changed." [27] [28]

Suárez handball

Luis Suarez (left) Suarez Forlan (cropped).jpg
Luis Suárez (left)

In extra time of a quarter-final match against Ghana, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez handled the ball in the penalty area to prevent a last-minute game-winning Ghana goal. [29] Suárez was shown a red card and Ghana's Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty kick. Ghana subsequently lost the match, 4–2, in the penalty shootout.

The African press named Uruguay public enemy No.1 and described them as cheats. [30] Suárez was unapologetic about his handball, stating "I made the best save of the tournament." [31] Suárez boasted after the match of his handball save, claiming that "The 'Hand of God' now belongs to me," a reference to the handball goal scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup. Ghana's coach Milovan Rajevac argued that Suárez's actions were "really shocking," describing the result as a "football injustice." [32] Uruguay's coach Óscar Tabárez defended Suárez: "Saying we cheated Ghana is too harsh a word to use. ... We also abide by what the referee did. It could have been a mistake. Yes, he stuck his hand out, but it's not cheating. What else do you want? Is Suárez also to blame for Ghana missing the penalty? We try to be dignified, and if we lose a match, we look for the reasons for it. You shouldn't look to third parties." [29] FIFA reviewed the possibility of increasing Suárez's ban but decided against punishing him for 'unsportsmanlike conduct'. This opened up a discussion on gamesmanship, asking the question of whether players in that situation should be condemned as a cheat, or applauded for their resourcefulness. One pundit, Paul Fletcher of the BBC, implied that most players would do the same thing in the 'heat of the moment' in order to avoid defeat. [33] Ghana's sports minister, Akua Sena Dansua, called for changes to the rules in such circumstances. [34]

French team discord

Nicolas Anelka was sent home from the World Cup, and was one of five players summoned to the FFF for discord NAnelka.jpg
Nicolas Anelka was sent home from the World Cup, and was one of five players summoned to the FFF for discord

The French team had significant troubles with team dissension at the World Cup. The press was strongly critical of both players and coaches. This followed a highly disappointing UEFA Euro 2008 first round exit, and a difficult qualification campaign. After controversially winning their play-off meeting with the Republic of Ireland, the French players appeared aloof to the public as they headed straight for the dressing room instead of signing autographs. Several players were questioned by police just prior to the Finals in South Africa, following a raid on a Paris nightclub renowned for arranging dates between wealthy clients and underage prostitutes. Before the tournament began, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced that head coach Raymond Domenech will leave his position at the end of the tournament. [35]

Striker Nicolas Anelka delivered a profanity-laden criticism at Domenech as the team was losing to Mexico. [36] Anelka was sent home after refusing to apologise. The following day, captain and left wingback Patrice Evra was caught on camera in a heated argument with trainer Robert Duverne, which eventually led to intervention by others in the camp. [37] The players boycotted training for one day in protest at the FFF decision to dismiss Anelka. In turn, managing director Jean-Louis Valentin then resigned in disgust at the players' actions. [38]

On the orders of President Nicolas Sarkozy, Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot held an emotional meeting with the team where she admonished the players saying "How would you like people to remember you? What image do you want to leave behind?". [39] This reportedly reduced the players, especially the younger ones, to tears and they applauded her. Later at an impromptu media briefing at the Free State Stadium, Bachelot said "I told the players they had tarnished the image of France. It is a morale disaster for French football. I told them they could no longer be heroes for our children. They have destroyed the dreams of their countrymen, their friends and supporters." The players apologised to Domenech and resumed practice the next day. Patrice Evra was dropped for the final group game. [35] [40]

Following the team's final defeat to hosts South Africa, Domenech refused to shake the hand of opposing coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. [41] Domenech was strongly criticised in the French press, with sports daily L'Équipe accusing Domenech of "arrogance and an attitude of contempt for others". [41]

The French team flew home in economy class. The fallout continued after the team's return to France, with FFF President Jean-Pierre Escalettes announcing his resignation. [42] Escalettes has stated that Anelka will never be picked again for the national team. [43] Former defender Lilian Thuram has said "I asked for the players to be severely punished and for Patrice Evra never to come back into the France team. When you are captain of France, there is a responsibility and a respect for the shirt and for people that you have to have." [44]

The entire World Cup squad was suspended for their next game against Norway by the FFF, upon request by the new manager Laurent Blanc. [45] Five players were identified as having been key to the embarrassing events at the tournament; Nicolas Anelka, Patrice Evra, Franck Ribéry, Jérémy Toulalan and Eric Abidal were summoned to a hearing before the FFF disciplinary committee on 17 August 2010. After the expulsion of Anelka and ensuing training strike, Evra and Ribéry were summoned for failing in their duties as captain and vice captain, Toulalan was seen as the originator of the statement read out by coach Domenech to the media, while Abidal was accused of refusing to play in the final group match. After the hearing, Anelka was banned from playing for France for 18 games, Evra was banned for five, Ribéry for three, and Toulalan for one, while Abidal escaped punishment. Anelka dismissed the sanction as irrelevant, considering himself already retired from international football. [46] [47]

Final

The final was particularly controversial due to the high number of yellow cards issued (fourteen, resulting in one sending-off). The most notable incident was Nigel de Jong's kick into the midriff of Xabi Alonso, punished only with a booking from referee Howard Webb, who subsequently admitted he should have shown a red card. [48]

Just before the game-winning goal was scored, the Dutch team had a free kick that hit the wall (apparently taking a deflection off Cesc Fàbregas) before going out. [49] [50] [51] Despite the deflection, which should have given possession and a corner kick to the Dutch team, a goal kick was given to the Spanish, starting the play that led to the winning goal. The Dutch, however, momentarily had possession of the ball near the Spanish penalty area in between the goal kick and Iniesta's goal. Joris Mathijsen was yellow-carded for his strong protests to the referee after the goal, and other Dutch players criticised Webb for this decision after the match. [49]

Both teams were fined by FIFA due to the ill-discipline of the match. [52] [53] Despite this, Spain was still awarded FIFA's Fair Play award for the tournament after the final, Spain had earned only 8 yellow cards throughout (the lowest of the four semi-finalists).

Others

Third-party ambush marketing

During the Netherlands v Denmark group stage match, several women were removed from the stadium and later detained. It later emerged they were models for Bavaria beer. [54] The tickets were sold to Bavaria by a friend of Robbie Earle, who was working as a pundit at the tournament for ITV Sport of the United Kingdom. ITV immediately cancelled Earle's contract with the network, citing that the tickets were only meant for his friends and family. [55]

Match ball

The official ball for the tournament, the Jabulani, was widely criticised [56] by several players, although others came out in its defence.

Nigeria team ban

In the aftermath of the tournament, Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan announced a 2-year ban on the men's national side due to its perceived poor performance. This move drew serious criticism and condemnation for all sides, and FIFA threatened sanctions in return for what it saw as "political interference". The ban was lifted shortly after.

North Korea

The North Korean team cancelled its national championship to prepare for the Cup via a world tour. Following the perceived poor performance of the team, particularly against Portugal, the team were forced to blame the coach to avoid punishment on their return to North Korea. [57]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 FIFA World Cup</span> Association football tournament in South Africa

The 2010 FIFA World Cup, also branded as South Africa 2010, was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010. The bidding process for hosting the tournament finals was open only to African nations. In 2004, the international football federation, FIFA, selected South Africa over Egypt and Morocco to become the first African nation to host the finals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penalty kick (association football)</span> Type of direct free kick in association football

A penalty kick is a method of restarting play in association football, in which a player is allowed to take a single shot at the goal while it is defended only by the opposing team's goalkeeper. It is awarded when an offence punishable by a direct free kick is committed by a player in their own penalty area. The shot is taken from the penalty mark, which is 11 m from the goal line and centred between the touch lines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raymond Domenech</span> French association football player and manager

Raymond Manuel Albert Domenech is a French football manager and former player. He managed the France national team from 2004 to 2010, reaching the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final. He was dismissed after their elimination from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for serious misconduct.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrice Evra</span> French association football player

Patrice Latyr Evra is a French football coach and former professional player. Originally a forward, he primarily played as a left-back. Evra served as captain for both Manchester United and the France national team. His manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised Evra for his leadership, also describing him as one of the best left-backs in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Horacio Elizondo</span> Argentine football referee (born 1963)

Horacio Marcelo Elizondo is an Argentine former international football referee best known for his officiation throughout the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Having achieved all his goals in refereeing, Elizondo retired after the December 2006 match between Boca Juniors and Lanús, 2 years before the compulsory retirement age of 45.

At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the knockout stage was the second and final stage of the tournament, following the group stage. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage to compete in a single-elimination style tournament. A third place match is included and played between the two losing teams of the semi-finals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luis Suárez</span> Uruguayan footballer (born 1987)

Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Uruguayan Primera División club Nacional and the Uruguay national team. Nicknamed El Pistolero, he is known for his passing, finishing and comfort with the ball. Suárez is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest strikers of all time. Suárez has won two European Golden Shoes, an Eredivisie Golden Boot, a Premier League Golden Boot, and the Pichichi Trophy. He has scored over 500 career goals for club and country.

"The hand of God" was a handling goal scored by Argentine footballer Diego Maradona during the Argentina v England quarter finals match of the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The goal was illegal under association football rules due to Maradona using his hand, but because the referees did not have a clear view of the play and video assistant referee technology did not exist at the time, it stood to give Argentina a 1–0 lead. Argentina went on to win 2–1, with Maradona scoring a second goal known as the "Goal of the Century", en route to claiming the World Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goal-line technology</span> Electronic aid to determine if a goal has been scored in association football

In association football, goal-line technology is the use of electronic aid to determine if a goal has been scored or not. In detail, it is a method used to determine when the ball has completely crossed the goal line in between the goal-posts and underneath the crossbar with the assistance of electronic devices and at the same time assisting the referee in awarding a goal or not. The objective of goal-line technology (GLT) is not to replace the role of the officials, but rather to support them in their decision-making. The GLT must provide a clear indication as to whether the ball has fully crossed the line, and this information will serve to assist the referee in making their final decision.

In association football, a ghost goal is either a goal wrongly awarded despite the ball not having crossed the goal line, or a goal wrongly not given despite the ball having crossed the line. In an attempt to combat ghost goals, rules allowing goal-line technology (GLT) were passed by the International Football Association Board in 2012 and have consequently been introduced for some football competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League. The video assistant referee (VAR), introduced in 2018, provides an alternative system to GLT, and is cheaper to introduce & operate than the FIFA qualified GLT systems.

Republic of Ireland vs France was a two-legged football play-off held on 14 and 18 November 2009 between the national teams of the Republic of Ireland and France as part of the UEFA second round of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The first match was held on 14 November in Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland, and ended in a 1–0 victory for France with Nicolas Anelka scoring. The second leg, played on 18 November in the Stade de France outside Paris, France, finished 1–0 to the Republic of Ireland. The tie went to extra time and a controversial William Gallas goal enabled by Thierry Henry handling the ball twice made the score 2–1 on aggregate and France progressed to the World Cup at Ireland's expense.

Group A of the 2010 FIFA World Cup began on 11 June and ended on 22 June 2010. The group consisted of host nation South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay and the runners-up from 2006, France.

The history of the France national football team dates back to 1904. The national team, also referred to as Les Bleus, represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation and competes as a member of UEFA.

The knockout stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup was the second and final stage of the World Cup, following the group stage. It began on 26 June with the round of 16 matches, and ended on 11 July with the final match of the tournament held at Soccer City, Johannesburg, in which Spain beat the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time to claim their first World Cup. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage to compete in a single-elimination style tournament. A third place match was included and played between the two losing teams of the semi-finals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South American nations at the FIFA World Cup</span>

Nine of ten members of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) have competed in the men's FIFA World Cup finals. National association football teams from CONMEBOL have won the tournament nine times, including Brazil's record five championships. CONMEBOL countries have hosted the finals five times.

Group E of the 2014 FIFA World Cup consisted of Switzerland, Ecuador, France, and Honduras. Play began on 15 June and ended on 25 June 2014. The top two teams, France and Switzerland, advanced to the round of 16.

The FIFA World Cup, sometimes called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946, due to World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Video assistant referee</span> Football official reviewing decisions

The video assistant referee (VAR) is a match official in association football who reviews decisions made by the referee.

Group H of the 2022 FIFA World Cup took place from 24 November to 2 December 2022. The group consisted of Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea. The top two teams, Portugal and South Korea, advanced to the round of 16. Uruguay exited the tournament after failing to progress the group stage for the first time since 2002, with South Korea's shock 2–1 victory over Portugal contributing to the elimination.

References

  1. "FIFA statement on FAI request". FIFA. 2009-11-20. Archived from the original on 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2009-11-20.
  2. "FIFA reject extra referees proposal". Press Association. 2009-12-02. Archived from the original on 2009-12-03. Retrieved 2009-12-03.
  3. "Fifa to investigate Thierry Henry handball". BBC Sport. 2009-12-02. Archived from the original on 2009-12-03. Retrieved 2009-12-03.
  4. Phipps, Claire; Hills, David; Meagher, Gerard; Lutz, Tom; Graham, Bryan Armen; Phipps, Claire; Phipps, Claire (5 June 2015). "Fifa crisis: FAI were paid after Thierry Henry handball, says John Delaney". The Guardian.
  5. Sudan to host possible play-off, FIFA.com, 11 November 2009.
  6. "Preliminary draw, format of play and group formation – preliminary competition". Regulations 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (PDF). FIFA.com. Zurich, Switzerland: FIFA. July 2007. p. 21, §17.6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  7. 1 2 World Cup stadium 'cow sacrifice' plan sparks row. BBC News website, updated at 16:22 GMT, Tuesday, 1 December 2009.
  8. 1 2 Sangomas sacrifice ox to bless the World Cup stadiums. Cape Times.
  9. "World Cup 2010: Eriksson tips Brazil to win Cup". BBC Sport. 20 June 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  10. "World Cup 2010: Red-carded Kaka will focus on form". BBC Sport. 21 June 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  11. "USA vs. Slovenia 2010 World Cup: Koman Coulibaly Costs the U.S. and May Be Out". Bleacher Report. 19 June 2010. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 World Cup 2010: Missed handball enrages Serbia manager Page last updated at 22:28 GMT, Wednesday, 23 June 2010 23:28 UK
  13. Australia – 2010 Soccer World Cup, April 01, 2015.
  14. World Cup 2010 final score: Australia 2, Serbia 1. (The Star-Ledger) By Colin Stephenson, on June 23, 2010 at 1:40 PM, updated June 23, 2010 at 10:19 PM
  15. "England v Germany: Fifa want 'better refereeing' not goal-line technology", The Telegraph, June 27, 2010
  16. "Mondial: le but refusé à Lampard va relancer le débat sur la vidéo", AFP, June 27, 2010
  17. "World Cup 2010: Lampard calls for goal-line technology", BBC, June 27, 2010
  18. "World Cup 2010: Gordon Smith calls for use of goal-line technology", The Telegraph, June 26, 2010
  19. "World Cup 2010: Sports minister joins calls for goal-line technology", The Guardian, June 27, 2010
  20. "England v Germany: Frank Lampard denied goal by Uruguayan linesman - in pictures". The Daily Telegraph. London. 27 June 2010. Archived from the original on 30 June 2010.
  21. "FAW boss rejects technology idea". BBC News. 28 June 2010.
  22. Garside, Kevin (27 June 2010). "England v Germany: Frank Lampard's disallowed goal highlights stupidity of Fifa". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 30 June 2010.
  23. "Argentina 3-1 Mexico", BBC, June 27, 2010
  24. Argentina - Mexico, BBC, June 27, 2010
  25. "FIFA, don't ignore the Blunder in Bloemfontein", Associated Press, June 27, 2010
  26. "World Cup errors highlight need for technology rethink", The Times (South Africa), June 28, 2010
  27. "World Cup 2010: Blatter sorry for disallowed goal", BBC, June 29, 2010
  28. "World Cup 2010: Sepp Blatter says sorry to England for disallowed goal", The Guardian, June 29, 2010
  29. 1 2 Doward, Jamie (4 July 2010). "Luis Suarez is new World Cup villain after 'hand of God' claim". The Guardian. London.
  30. Tabarez tires of cheat calls. CBS Sports, 06 Jul 2010 |10:07 SAST. Archived July 9, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  31. Chadband, Ian (3 July 2010). "World Cup 2010: Uruguay's Luis Suárez revels in second coming of Hand of God". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 6 July 2010.
  32. Chadband, Ian (3 July 2010). "World Cup 2010: Uruguay's Luis Suárez revels in second coming of Hand of God". The Daily Telegraph . London. Archived from the original on 6 July 2010. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
  33. Fletcher, Paul (3 July 2010). "Luis Suarez – hero or villain?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
  34. "Ghana calls for Fifa rule change". BBC News. 7 July 2010.
  35. 1 2 "Latest Breaking News, Headlines & Updates | National Post".
  36. "World Cup 2010: Nicolas Anelka sent home after bust-up". The Guardian. 19 June 2010. Retrieved 19 June 2010.
  37. Agence France-Presse (20 June 2010). "French football in chaos after players' mutiny" . Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  38. "Brazil advances, Italy held to another WCup draw". Associated Press. 20 June 2010. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  39. Bachelot reduces French World Cup players to tears, archived online. Archived June 25, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  40. "World Cup 2010: French sports minister blasts France squad over protest". The Daily Telegraph. London. 22 June 2010. Archived from the original on 25 June 2010.
  41. 1 2 "World Cup 2010: Domenech snubs Parreira handshake". BBC Sport online edition. BBC News. 23 June 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  42. "World Cup 2010: French chief quits after fiasco". BBC Sport. 28 June 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  43. [ permanent dead link ]
  44. Blanc in but Evra could be out: Laurent Blanc officially takes over while France legend Lilian Thuram calls for captain Patrice Evra to be banned, CBS Sports; 02 Jul 2010 | 15:11 SAST. Archived online.
  45. "France World Cup squad suspended for Norway friendly". BBC Sport. 23 July 2010. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
  46. "Nicolas Anelka laughs at 'nonsense' 18-match French ban". BBC Sport. 18 August 2010. Retrieved 18 August 2010.
  47. Davies, Lizzy (17 August 2010). "Nicolas Anelka suspended for 18 matches by France over World Cup revolt". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 18 August 2010.
  48. Wilson, Paul (25 August 2010). "I should have shown Nigel de Jong a red card, says Howard Webb". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  49. 1 2 "World Cup 2010: Dutch coach criticises referee Webb". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 12 July 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  50. "2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain vs. Netherlands. Spain Wins Andres Iniesta Goal". Barcelona Reporter. 15 July 2010. Archived from the original on 13 May 2011. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  51. "Final – Spain vs. Holland (Sneijder's free kick hits the wall)". YouTube. 13 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.[ dead YouTube link ]
  52. espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5433184/fifa-fines-netherlands-spain-final-fouls Netherlands, Spain fined for final foulsUpdated: August 3, 2010, 8:46 AM ETAssociated Press
  53. FIFA Fine Spain & Netherlands £6,000 & £9,000 Respectively For Poor Discipline During World Cup 2010 Final. By Adithya Ananth, Aug 3, 2010 12:22:00
  54. How ambush marketing ambushed sport. BBC News Magazine. Page last updated at 08:30 GMT, Thursday, 17 June 2010 09:30 UK.
  55. World Cup 2010: ITV sacks Robbie Earle for breaking ticket regulations.
  56. Controversy over new World Cup ball. By Helen Chandler, CNN. June 3, 2010 -- Updated 1257 GMT (2057 HKT).
  57. North Korea's failed World Cup footballers undergo public mauling : Footballers subjected to six-hour excoriation on stage for 'betraying' North Korea and Kim Jong-il's son and heir, Justin McCurry. The Guardian.com, Friday 30 July 2010 17.31 BST.