FIFA deny referee asked for Ronaldo’s shirt

FIFA has angrily denied claims World Cup referee Mark Geiger asked for Cristiano Ronaldo for his shirt during Portugal’s win over Morocco.

The governing body cleared Geiger of any wrongdoing following claims by Watford’s Moroccan midfielder Nordin Amrabat that Geiger requested the player’s shirt at halftime.

“It has been claimed that Mr Geiger asked for the shirt of the captain of Portugal during the half-time interval. Mr Geiger strongly refutes these claims and categorically states that such a request was not made.

“Fifa unequivocally condemns the allegations supposedly made by a member of the Moroccan team.

“Fifa referees are under clear instructions with regard to their behaviour and relationship with the teams at the 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia and it can be confirmed that Mr Geiger has acted in an exemplary and professional manner as an appointed match official.

“Fifa would like to remind teams of their duty to respect all principles of fair play.”

Amrabat, made his claims after the match.