Former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach draws scrutiny over alleged World Cup loophole

Former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Georgios Donis made his World Cup touchline debut overnight Monday to Tuesday as Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay. Donis, appointed in April to replace Hervé Renard, briefly became the focus of attention in the 60th minute when he was accused of exploiting one of FIFA’s new rules.

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, described as the hero of the draw, went down injured and received treatment on the pitch. Under the new rule, players are supposed to remain in the middle of the field until the injured player recovers, in an effort to prevent “time-outs.” But Donis was seen calling over one of his players and handing him a note with tactical instructions.

The move was then interpreted as a breach of a rule designed to stop coaches from having goalkeepers fake injuries in order to pause the match and pass on tactics. Uruguay eventually came from behind to salvage the 1-1 result.

After the match, Donis said, “I am trying to learn the players. We cannot be flexible during matches, I have not been here long enough. We are not flexible enough.” In the second half, Uruguay attempted more shots on goal against Saudi Arabia than any other team has managed in a single half, but it still could not beat Donis’s side.