Ex-PGMOL chief 'disappointed' by what he saw from World Cup referees: 'That's a report and fine'

FIFA's relaxed rules at the 2026 World Cup meant that players and teams avoided serious punishment during the tournament.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Argentina were the most notable of offenders this summer.

Both Argentina and Paraguay's FAs are expected to be punished retrospectively due to respective offences, including unveiling political banners and attempting to hurt opponents.

Before the tournament kicked off, FIFA encouraged referees to let the game flow, which led to a decreased number of yellow and red cards, and even much fewer fouls per game.

The tournament organisers even introduced red cards for the covering of mouths in a confrontational manner, which was seen twice throughout all of the games.

Supporters from all corners of the globe were certainly split by some of the additions, but Hackett has raised some concerns about the lack of action over one specific area.

FIFA referees allow players to break key rule

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said: "I don't think referees were strong enough where players surrounded them and took action.

"It was noticeable in the England game that Argentina had four players on the referee when there was anything that might have required a sanction.

"The line of communication between the captains of the teams and the referees at this tournament was not used as well as I thought it might do.

"And I think likewise, what sanctions did FIFA apply? I suspect none, where three or more players surrounded the referee.

"In the English Premier League, that's a report and a fine, substantial fines at times, to clubs for failing to control their players. That seemed to be missing at this World Cup.

"I'm disappointed because I think in the past, for the support of referees and for the benefit of the image of the game, they have a responsibility."

'FIFA must question their own integrity'

The White House's involvement with FIFA also caused a stir, especially when Folarin Balogun's red card was suspended so that he could face Belgium.

"I think FIFA have got to question their own integrity, their own procedures and processes here," Hackett told Football Insider.

"They've allowed politics to get into the game and and for the game not to have the right image that projects to players, managers and referees from grassroots level right through to a professional game.

"I was disappointed."