Thomas Tuchel's complaint about photographers blocking his view during the national anthem has prompted FIFA to implement changes. The governing body has agreed to reposition photographers during the playing of anthems at the World Cup, allowing coaching staff an unobstructed view of their players.
Tuchel's complaint
The England manager was visibly frustrated before the 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday when a group of photographers gathered just metres from the bench during 'God Save the King'. In a video capturing the incident, Tuchel was heard saying: 'Very close guys, you're very close. You're very close I cannot see anything.'
After the match, Tuchel called on FIFA to address the issue. 'I have to tell you something, I am begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem because I could not see my team in the national anthem,' he said. 'I was waiting for this moment. It was a very, very special moment today and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a metre away, and I could not see one single player and it ruined a little bit my experience today.'
Tuchel, who described the national anthem as an emotional moment, added: 'It is very emotional. When I was young and when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of to have this kind of career.'
FIFA's response
FIFA swiftly responded to the complaint, agreeing to move photographers away from the dugout area to give coaching staff a clearer view of the pitch and players during the anthems. Coaches will also be permitted to step out from in front of the dugouts to see the players.
The new arrangement was already in effect for Thursday's Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa, with photographers positioned at the corner of the dugouts, allowing the coaching staff an unimpeded sightline.
