Uruguay, Cavani and Godin charged by FIFA after furious reaction to World Cup exit

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Uruguayan Football Association and four of the Celeste’s players – including Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin – following the team’s furious reaction to their World Cup exit.

Uruguay failed to escape Group H despite Friday’s 2-0 win over Ghana, as South Korea advanced at their expense following their comeback victory against Portugal.

Diego Alonso’s team were ultimately eliminated on the basis of goals scored, and reacted angrily when Cavani was denied a late penalty after going down in the Ghana 18-yard box.

Social media footage showed the former Manchester United striker pushing the VAR monitor over after the final whistle, while several other Uruguay players surrounded referee Daniel Siebert.

FIFA detailed the charges, alleging misconduct of Uruguayan players and officials, offensive behaviour and discrimination, in a statement released on Monday.

The statement also said Uruguay quartet Cavani, Godin, Jose Gimenez and Fernando Muslera were being investigated separately for alleged offences relating to offensive behaviour, violations of the principles of fair play and misconduct.

Speaking after the game, which almost certainly marked the end of his World Cup career, striker Luis Suarez declared: “FIFA is always against Uruguay”.

1 – Uruguay have failed to qualify for the knockout stages at the #FIFAWorldCup for the first time since 2002, while they had won five consecutive group games in the tournament coming into the 2022 edition. Fallen. pic.twitter.com/zvDTCJArKy

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 2, 2022

In a separate statement, FIFA revealed Serbia would also face charges of misconduct, discrimination and failure to preserve order and security following their fractious 3-2 defeat to Switzerland on the same day.

Serbia’s loss ensured they finished bottom of Group G, while Switzerland advanced to the last 16 by joining pre-tournament favourites Brazil on six points.