FIFA has sanctioned four Uruguay internationals for misconduct during their 2022 World Cup exit in Qatar, issuing suspensions, fines, and mandatory community service after chaotic scenes followed their match against Ghana.
Muslera and Gimenez Receive Four-Match Suspensions
On Friday, world football’s governing body confirmed that goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and defender Jose Maria Gimenez will each serve a four-match ban. The punishments stem from their aggressive confrontation with German referee Daniel Siebert after Uruguay’s 2-0 victory over Ghana on December 2, a result that was not enough to secure progression to the knockout stages.
Veteran striker Edinson Cavani and captain Diego Godin were also sanctioned, receiving one-match suspensions each. All four players are required to carry out football-related community service in addition to paying fines of up to 20,000 Swiss francs.
Controversy Over Refereeing Decisions
The heated protests followed a series of refereeing calls that left the Uruguayan players and fans furious. Siebert declined to award penalties for challenges on Darwin Núñez in the first half and Cavani in stoppage time, decisions that many within the Uruguay camp considered decisive.
Luis Suárez, who also featured in the match, expressed his frustration afterward, accusing FIFA of bias. “FIFA is against Uruguay,” Suárez said, insisting that the team had been unfairly treated in Qatar.
South Korea’s Late Goal Seals Uruguay’s Fate
Despite defeating Ghana, Uruguay were eliminated from Group H after South Korea shocked Portugal with a stoppage-time winner, sealing a 2-1 victory. Both nations finished level on points, but South Korea advanced to the Round of 16 on goals scored, edging Uruguay by just one goal.
The result left the South Americans devastated, as they believed they had done enough to qualify until news of South Korea’s late triumph filtered through. The combination of elimination and controversial officiating sparked the angry post-match confrontations that led to FIFA’s disciplinary action.
Punishment for Uruguayan FA and Supporters
In addition to the player suspensions, FIFA imposed sanctions on the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF). The governing body was fined 50,000 Swiss francs for the conduct of its players and supporters. Furthermore, Uruguay has been ordered to partially close sections of its stadium during its next FIFA “A” international home match.
FIFA stressed that maintaining respect for match officials is a key priority, warning that similar behavior will draw equally strong penalties in the future.
Uruguay Faces a Period of Rebuilding
The bans will impact Uruguay’s upcoming fixtures as the team seeks to rebuild under a new generation of players following its World Cup disappointment. With key veterans sidelined, the national side must now prepare for future competitions without several of its most experienced figures.
The disciplinary action also raises questions about the future roles of Uruguay’s aging stars, including Cavani, Godin, and Suárez, who may not feature prominently in the next World Cup cycle.
For now, the message from FIFA is clear: misconduct on the world’s biggest stage will not be tolerated.
