All Argentina players wore black armbands during the World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland. Tribute to Antonio Rattin, Albiceleste legend, approved by FIFA. A decision that reignited comparisons with the refusal of the French team a few weeks earlier.
While watching the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland on the night from Saturday July 11 to Sunday July 12, a detail did not escape the most attentive viewers. All Albiceleste players wore a black armband on their right arm. A sign of mourning for Antonio Rattin, an outstanding figure in Argentine football, who had died a few days earlier.
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The famous Argentina captain of the 1960s, Antonio Rattin, became famous for his ejection during the 1966 World Cup quarter-final against England. Refusing to leave the field even though there was no red card yet, he had to be escorted by police. A scene that contributed to the advent of yellow and red cards a few years later.
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Why did Argentina receive permission and France did not?
However, this tribute raises questions on the French side. A few weeks earlier, the Blues also wanted to wear a black armband, this time in support of Didier Deschamps, who was grieving the death of his mother. On the occasion of the third match of the group stage against Norway, French players requested permission from FIFA to wear this famous black armband. The request was rejected by the tournament organizers.
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The difference between the two situations lies in FIFA rules. The international body gave the green light to Argentina hours before the quarter-finals as tributes addressed the death of a major footballer. On the other hand, the French team’s request was about a family bereavement.
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According to the criteria applied by FIFA, only tributes to football figures may be eligible for exclusive permission to wear the black armband in an official competition. It is this difference that explains why the Albiceleste were able to give credit to Antonio Rattin, while the Blues did not receive the same exemption to support their coach.