FIFA changes Player of the Match ceremony for Muslim players

FIFA has introduced a significant change to the ‘Player of the Match’ ceremony and trophy, respecting the religious beliefs and cultural sensitivities of Muslim players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The new policy will see selected players presented with a backdrop and special trophy without alcohol branding.

The change was highlighted when Morocco’s Ismail Sibari won the ‘Man of the Match’ award for scoring the tournament’s fastest first goal against Scotland. The award ceremony removed the usual beer brand advertising and replaced it with a neutral ‘Superior Player of the Match’ design and FIFA World Cup branding.

Egypt’s Imam Ashour, Jordan’s Ali Alwan, Iran’s Ramin Rezaian, Qatar’s goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada and Ivory Coast’s Yann Diomande were also given similar unbranded awards, according to reports.

According to a FIFA spokesperson, an unbranded award and backdrop can be provided at the request of the selected player.

The same policy also applies to players who have not reached the legal drinking age.

It should be recalled that at the 2018 World Cup, Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy also gained international attention for refusing to accept the Player of the Match award linked to alcohol sponsorship.