Gary Lineker criticises FIFA after France denied armband tribute to Didier Deschamps’s mother | OneFootball

Gary Lineker criticised FIFA’s refusal to let France wear black armbands in honour of Didier Deschamps’s late mother, saying: "Losing his mother is a tragedy, it is really sad, and I still cannot believe FIFA did not allow the players to wear a black armband," he told L'Équipe.

Talks between the FFF and FIFA ran almost up to kick-off of Norway v France on Friday at Gillette Stadium, which ended 1-4.

Les Bleus had sought to pay tribute. Deschamps’s mother died on Tuesday, with the funeral held the same day as the match in France.

FIFA holds discretion over any change to official match kit in such cases.

"He is a very great leader," Lineker said. "I do not see anyone better qualified than Deschamps to know how to win this competition."

Deschamps handed the team to his assistant Guy Stéphan while he returned to France. He flew back to Boston on Saturday morning and led the afternoon training session.

Source: L'Équipe