Back to feed

Urs Meier on Argentina Controversy: "Signals That Are Not Good for Football"

Urs Meier discusses the controversy surrounding Argentina's behavior at the World Cup final against Spain, calling it disgraceful and emphasizing the need for good sportsmanship.

Urs Meier on Argentina Controversy: "Signals That Are Not Good for Football"

The recent actions of the Argentine team have sparked considerable controversy, overshadowing the World Cup final against Spain. Esteemed referee Urs Meier has described the behavior of the players as disgraceful.

"It leaves a bad taste," Meier remarked in an interview with FOCUS online, referring to the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by the Argentine stars following the match's conclusion. He emphasized that such images are likely to linger in the minds of fans and officials alike.

However, Meier also pointed out that the guidelines set forth by FIFA for referees should not be perceived as a standard that can be universally applied. He cautioned that these are "signals that are not good for football."

"One Must Also Learn to Lose"

Addressing the Argentine players directly, Meier stated, "One must also learn to lose. One must be a good loser. This is part of the sport." His comments reflect a broader sentiment about the importance of sportsmanship in football.

In a video discussion with FOCUS online, the Swiss referee elaborated on the challenges referees face when officiating matches involving a tough and sometimes unfair team like Argentina. He commended the Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic for his handling of the final, acknowledging the difficulty of managing such high-stakes encounters.