The World Cup is almost over and it will have seen a lot of controversy. The latest? This Saturday, following the game for third place between Croatia and Morocco.
As the official ceremony took its course, the referees presented themselves in turn in front of FIFA representatives to collect their medals, presented by the president, Gianni Infantino. All referees have the right to shake hands with a Qatari sheikh except… Neuza Back, a Brazilian referee.
The referee, who seemed aware that she was not going to have to shake hands with the sheikh, just exchanged a nod with him. In Qatar, this refusal is not in itself considered a lack of respect, because it is not well seen that a man touches a woman who is not his, or a member of his family.
Neuza Back was one of the six women selected by FIFA to officiate in this World Cup. Stéphanie Frappart even had the opportunity to officiate a match as main referee, during the clash between Costa Rica and Germany.