FIFA fine German FA £8,800 after they failed to send a player to their pre-match press conference

FIFA fine German FA £8,800 after they failed to send a player to their press conference ahead of their World Cup clash with Spain due to their training base being a three-hour round trip from Doha

FIFA have fined the German FA after they failed to put a player forward to attend the press conference ahead of their World Cup match with Spain.

A player is obligated to be sent to each press conference the day before their match to take questions alongside their manager.

However, Germany boss Hansi Flick arrived at the main media centre in Doha alone on Saturday, save for some accompanying officials from the German Federation, leading to FIFA launching a probe into the matter.

Hansi Flick turned up to Germany’s press conference alone as he didn’t want his players to make the three-hour drive with him to Doha so that they can focus on their next match

They have opted to hand down a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (£8,800) to the European nation after they decided not to adhere to the tournament rules. 

Relations between the Germans and FIFA are strained following the gesture they made before their 2-1 defeat by Japan — hands covering their mouths — in response to being prevented from wearing the One Love armband.

Flick’s explanation for travelling solo from their base camp in Qatar’s north was the fact he didn’t want a key player being subjected to an unnecessary three-hour round trip.

‘It’s so important that they devote their energy to training,’ Flick said.

Joshua Kimmich was with Flick in their press conference ahead of the Japan clash after the team had opted to stay in Doha the night before the match so they could better prepare

Joshua Kimmich was with Flick in their press conference ahead of the Japan clash after the team had opted to stay in Doha the night before the match so they could better prepare

The move appeared to work as Niclas Fullkrug scored a late equaliser against Spain to keep their World Cup hopes alive but they still need a lot to go their way in order to progress.

The Germans still sit bottom of group E with just a point from their opening two games.

They must beat Costa Rica to have a chance of going through but that still may not be enough.

The next official FIFA press conference for Germany will take place on Wednesday on the eve of the decisive group match against Costa Rica. 

Germany are staying at the Zulal Wellness Resort - a three-hour round trip from Doha

Germany are staying at the Zulal Wellness Resort – a three-hour round trip from Doha

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