FIFA reassess – Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro urged FIFA to reassess how close pitch-side advertising hoardings sit to the field after striker Julio Enciso collided with the boards during Paraguay’s 0-0 draw against Australia. The incident happened after 58 minutes at San Fra
After 58 minutes of a tense, goalless draw, Julio Enciso was moving with the kind of momentum that decides moments in a World Cup match. Then his run carried him beyond the byline, and into the advertising boards behind the goal.
The collision came during Thursday’s 0-0 match between Paraguay and Australia at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Enciso and Australia defender Alessandro Circati were both challenging for the ball before the Strasbourg attacker’s momentum took him into the hoardings. Enciso was seen holding the back of his head after contact. but he was able to complete the remainder of the game after being helped to his feet by Circati.
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said the proximity of pitch-side advertising hoardings at World Cup matches should be reassessed. Speaking at a post-match news conference. Alfaro said: “I think that maybe if there was more space that will be good because of course there’s a lot of intensity when we are playing. and sometimes if a player gets destabilised. he could fall and get injured and these things can happen. ” before adding: “So. maybe we have to think about that and reassess.”.
The Athletic has contacted FIFA for comment.
FIFA’s stadium guidelines already set out a standard for larger venues. recommending “that a total distance of five metres beyond each goal line and four metres beyond each touchline be provided before the placement of perimeter advertising boards.” That guidance sits alongside what happened on the ground in San Francisco. where a challenge and a destabilising moment ended with Enciso hitting the boards behind the goal.
The match itself carried major pressure. Paraguay’s draw meant the team finished third in Group D on four points. Their place in the round of 32 depends on whether they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. while the United States and Australia progress in first and second respectively. Turkey, despite a late push, were eliminated after a last-gasp win over the co-hosts.
FIFA World Cup advertising hoardings Julio Enciso Gustavo Alfaro Alessandro Circati Paraguay vs Australia San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Group D round of 32