FIFA issues warning to Abby Wambach after officiating remarks
FIFA issued a warning to United States forward Abby Wambach for critical comments she made about the officiating in a knockout round match against Colombia at the Women's World Cup.
FIFA said that Wambach infringed on article 57 of the disciplinary code, which concerns sportsmanlike conduct.
"Anyone who insults someone in any way, especially by using offensive gestures or language, or who violates the principles of fair play or whose bahvior is unsporting in any other way may be subject to sanctions in accordance with article," the warning reads.
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During Monday's knockout round match, American midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday were both give yellow cards, causing them to be suspended for Friday’s quarterfinal match against China because both also receive yellows from previous matches at the tournament.
Wambach said she felt that the referee in the Colombia match, Stephanie Frappart, “purposefully” issued the yellow cards, knowing another foul on either player would result in suspensions.
"The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee took into consideration all the circumstances of the case, including the fact that Abby Wambach took full ownership and apologized for her comments in a timely manner," the FIFA statement said.
The U.S. won the match 2-0 to advance in the tournament.
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Wambach apologized for her comments the next day, calling it wrong to suggest what the official was thinking.
"I'm not in the referee's head, and that's something I definitely take ownership of and apologize for," she said.
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