FIFA has defended the decision to disallow Germany's extra-time goal against Paraguay, saying players and coaches had been informed before the World Cup that referees would penalise attacking players who deliberately obstruct opponents without attempting to play the ball.
The clarification follows Germany's dramatic 1-1 defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32, where the South Americans advanced 4-3 on penalties after Jonathan Tah missed the decisive spot-kick. It was Germany's first defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Jonathan Tah believed he had put Germany 2-1 ahead in extra time with a headed goal. However, after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Jalal Jayed ruled out the effort because teammate Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the build-up.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann strongly criticised the decision after the match. "In my opinion, this foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed," he said.
FIFA's head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, said the decision was consistent with guidance issued to teams before the tournament.
"Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing an opponent's movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene," he said.
"This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal.
"Coaches and players were informed, so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls."
Television replays showed Anton making contact with Gill before Tah headed the ball into the net. Although the contact appeared minimal, officials concluded it had illegally impeded the goalkeeper's ability to challenge for the ball.
Paraguay went on to secure victory in the penalty shootout after Tah sent his kick over the crossbar, allowing Jose Canale to convert the winning penalty. The result sent Paraguay into the last 16, where they will face two-time champions France in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Collina also said FIFA's efforts to reduce time-wasting at the tournament had produced encouraging results. New regulations include time limits for goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions, while players who receive treatment for injuries must leave the field for one minute before returning.
"These measures have all been very effective and are unanimously considered very positive innovations," he said.
Germany crashed out by Paraguay, no Round-16 after 2014 winning
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