Thursday February 11, Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar's second city less than ten kilometers from the capital Doha.
Benjamin Pavard, the defender of the Blues, offered the victory (1-0) to Bayern Munich (Germany) against the Monterrey Tigers (Mexico) in the final of the Club World Cup.
The World Cup dress rehearsal in Qatar in less than two years (November 21 - December 18, 2022) is coming to an end.
Make way for the award ceremony… It will lead to a controversy in the form of a video.
On the podium, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, member of the royal family, brother of the Emir and president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, first salutes with his fist, Covid-19 obliges, male referees, then seems to ignore the two female referees, Edina Alves Batista and Neuza Back, who walk past him after receiving their medal from the President of the International Federation (Fifa), Gianni Infantino.
World final per club in Qatar, premiazioni.
He is the president of the FIFA Infantino istruisce the gives of the squadra arbitrale per non dare fastidio allo sceicco e evitare contatti impuri.
Il calcio ai diritti preferisce the valigette piene di soldi.
Che imbarazzo.
pic.twitter.com/KuCSPyyc2j
- Giulio Cavalli (@giuliocavalli) February 14, 2021
The scene shocked.
Interpretations have flourished on social networks to insinuate that the president of Fifa would have encouraged the two young women not to have contact with the sheikh.
Surprising especially as Gianni Infantino had promoted women's refereeing during this Club World Cup.
“Given the lies that have been disseminated, I would like to provide a clarification, reacted Gianni Infantino in a statement on Monday afternoon.
I took the opportunity to congratulate them for the excellent work they have done throughout the competition.
It was a milestone for Fifa.
The first time female officials have been appointed and performed at a FIFA senior men's competition.
I am a strong advocate for women's rights and for the equal treatment of every human being, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or physical ability.
Those who have spread false rumors should be ashamed of their actions.
"
A misunderstanding"
A source present on the spot sheds another light.
The two women had the same attitude towards Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the Bayern president, posted three meters away, Neuza Back giving the same nod to the two men as seen in the pictures, and a male referee just behind them would also have passed without a gesture for them on the podium.
Voluntary and individual behaviors linked to barrier gestures?
"There was a little misunderstanding," said a statement released by the local Qatar organizing committee.
To limit the risk of the Covid-19 virus spreading, strict protocols were in place and everyone involved in the tournament was strongly advised to avoid physical contact.
Three of the match officials didn't want to do the
usual
punch
with His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, which of course was their right.
It is clear from the images seen in their entirety that this was a simple misunderstanding and that there was no intention to offend.
"
