FIFA have fined the German FA after they failed to put a player forward to attend the press conference ahead of their World Cup match with Spain.
A player is obligated to be sent to each press conference the day before their match to take questions alongside their manager.
However, Germany boss Hansi Flick arrived at the main media centre in Doha alone on Saturday, save for some accompanying officials from the German Federation, leading to FIFA launching a probe into the matter.
They have opted to hand down a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (£8,800) to the European nation after they decided not to adhere to the tournament rules.
Relations between the Germans and FIFA are strained following the gesture they made before their 2-1 defeat by Japan — hands covering their mouths — in response to being prevented from wearing the One Love armband.
Flick's explanation for travelling solo from their base camp in Qatar’s north was the fact he didn’t want a key player being subjected to an unnecessary three-hour round trip.
‘It’s so important that they devote their energy to training,’ Flick said.
The move appeared to work as Niclas Fullkrug scored a late equaliser against Spain to keep their World Cup hopes alive but they still need a lot to go their way in order to progress.
The Germans still sit bottom of group E with just a point from their opening two games.
They must beat Costa Rica to have a chance of going through but that still may not be enough.
The next official FIFA press conference for Germany will take place on Wednesday on the eve of the decisive group match against Costa Rica.
