FIFA went against their own rules by allowing Qatar to dress Lionel Messi in Arab robes before the trophy presentation, as pointed out by ex-Spurs star Ramon Vega on social media.
Following Argentina's enthralling 4-2 win against France on penalties on Sunday, Messi took centre stage as he prepared to lift his country's first World Cup trophy since 1986.
Before the crowning moment, the Argentina captain was greeted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who dressed him in a traditional Arab robe known as a bisht.
The garment is traditionally worn at major occasions such as weddings and other events and signifies honour and prestige.
Taking to Twitter on Monday. Vega drew attention to a section of FIFA's rulebook, which clearly stated that 'celebratory attire' may only be worn after a number of formalities had been carried out.
Rule 27.2 stated: 'In FIFA final competitions, celebratory attire may only be worn on the field of play after the following official FIFA activities have taken place (during which the team must wear the shirts they wore during the match in question).
'(These include:) the trophy presentation; official FIFA photographs; and official media appearances.'
Vega accompanied his image of the rulebook with a series of questioning emojis, clearly confused as to why FIFA had allowed Qatar to carry out the ritual.
After he awkwardly accepted the robes in bewilderment, Messi went over to his team-mates to lift the trophy at the Lusail Stadium, before swiftly removing the garment as he and the players went over to celebrate with their families and friends.
Speaking after the game to BBC Sport, Qatar's secretary general of their World Cup organising committee Hassan Al Thawadi insisted the bisht presentation was significant because it demonstrated Arab region's celebration after hosting the tournament.
'It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations,' he said. 'This was a celebration of Messi.
'The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.
'People from different walks of life were able to come, experience what was happening here and get to understand that we may not see eye to eye on everything, but we can still celebrate together.'
D10S_LM10
430
Don't make this an issue. It was a gesture of respect and not everyone qualify to wear "BISHT"
Hoantak
262
King been dressed with Royal Robe before he received a golden crown is something else... stop this negativity and just bow before the MESSIah... GREATEST OF ALL TIME
eggosa91
173
Robes or no robes mêssi has won it already 🌝 #goatness
mtarraf161
164
pele weared mexico's hat after winning the world cup and no one made it an issue. actually after spending one month in quatar I realized arabs are not monsters. MEDIA is the only monster seperating people
Shmonny
112
Lionel Messi now has 400M followers on Instagram 📲📈
Shmonny
108
Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero have done it all together 🇦🇷💙
CallmeCJ
58
He did have on the shirt he wore during the match though.
Shmonny
50
More than a million fans flooded the streets of Buenos Aires after Argentina's World Cup win 😯🇦🇷
itz_me_ojei
28
Messi’s black cloak is called a 'Beshth'. Arabian warriors wore it after a victory. It’s also worn by the royal family. It was handed to him by the Emir himself. Signifying Messi as a warrior who won for his country, Argentina. 👑
veyanong
15
pele weared mexico's hat after winning the world cup and no one made it an issue. actually after spending one month in quatar I realized arabs are not monsters. MEDIA is the only monster seperating people
[image]
yeah that's what I am talking about
thememer
8
This piece of robe is called "BISHT". The golden lines of the robe are made with real gold. It was a gesture of respect. An ordinary person cannot wear this. ONLY THE KING OF QATAR CAN WEAR THIS AND MESSI IS THE KING OF FOOTBALL 👑.