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.'
