FIFA adjusts anthem photographer setup after Tuchel complaint

FIFA has altered its photographer arrangements for national anthems after Thomas Tuchel complained that he could not properly see England’s players before their 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas. The change allows coaches more freedom to stand away from the dugout area and regain a clear view of their squad.

According to the BBC report, photographers may now be gathered in a tighter group, potentially nearer the halfway line, while coaching staff can move to either side rather than being fixed in front of the bench. FIFA is said to have made the adjustment after receiving feedback from multiple people, including Tuchel.

The issue appears to have been sharpened by the layout at AT&T Stadium, where the playing surface was raised to accommodate a football pitch, reducing available sideline space. That left coaches and media working in a more compressed area during the pre-match ceremony.

There is still some uncertainty over whether the compromise fully satisfies England’s concerns. The report says the Football Association was still awaiting further discussions with FIFA, making this a practical tournament operations issue as much as a one-off complaint.