Exclusive: Al-Hilal to receive major fine after incident in win vs Man City
Al-Hilal should be fined a “substantial amount” for their actions in a shock 4-3 win over Man City, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he expected FIFA to sanction the Saudi Pro League side for their refusal to restart play against the Premier League side.
The first two shock upsets of the knockout stages of the Club World Cup happened within hours of each other.
Beaten Champions League finalists Inter were unable to find a way through against a resolute Fluminense side, who claimed a 2-0 win.
The Brazilian team’s victory looked to be a bonus for City, allowing them to avoid a potential match-up against the Italian powerhouse.
But then came the next upset, as the Sky Blues found out the hard way that Al-Hilal had created the perfect game plan to dismantle Pep Guardiola’s side.
Ex-City defender Joao Cancelo was the focal point of much of the SPL side’s attacking play, combining with former Barcelona winger Malcom to overload Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Despite City fighting back time and time again, Al-Hilal ultimately claimed victory thanks to Marcos Leonardo’s second goal of the match in extra time.
However, although the Saudi side left the Camping World Stadium full of jubilation with their win, the club may be about to face a hefty fine from FIFA.
Al-Hilal refuse to kick off after Man City opener
Ait-Nouri and Ilkay Gundogan both appeared to handle the ball in the build-up to City’s opening goal.
And in a move that broke FIFA’s rules, the goal was replayed for all to see on the stadium’s screens, causing Al-Hilal’s players to swarm referee Jesus Valenzuela Saez to contest the decision.
The official did not go to review the goal at the monitor, sticking with his on-field decision despite the replays showing Ait-Nouri’s handball had been advantageous.
Four minutes of protestation followed before the referee eventually announced his decision over the stadium’s PA system, and the game resumed.
Al-Hilal to be sanctioned for protest after Man City goal
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett was categorical in his view of how FIFA should respond to Al-Hilal refusing to kick off after City’s opener.
He said: “The team should be sanctioned for their protests and fined a substantial amount of dollars.”
City were seen as one of the favourites to win the tournament, but instead they will exit at the first knockout hurdle.
The Sky Blues’ exit leaves Chelsea as the last English representatives in the CWC.
After their win over Benfica, Enzo Maresca’s side will take on Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, who are spearheaded by soon-to-be Chelsea winger Estevao and former Barcelona wonderkid Vitor Roque.