Top FIFA World Cup Controversies in my Era

Starting with the recent one:

1. 2010

This happened just yesterday. The third goal by the US against Slovenia did not count by Koman Coulibaly, a Malian football referee for FIFA since 1999.

Koman Coulibaly’s controversial ruling on the Slovenia vs USA game cost USA the game. Koman Coulibaly controversy was followed with no explanation from Komna.

Landon Donovan told local news that, following the shocking ruling, when asked by USA team officials, Koman simply had no answer for his decision.

Koman Coulibaly moments ago ruled a third and winning goal for USA should not count. But the controversy remains as to what Koman used as his basis. No one was off sides. No fouls were reported. Landon Donovan said simply Koman Coulibaly acting too swiftly and that was his first World Cup game.

here are the other four goals by the two team. Fantastico!!!

2. 2006

It may be the most controversial moment in World Cup history and it’s not pretty. French footballer Zinedine Zidane will forever be remembered for headbutting Italian player Marco Materazzi. Zindane claimed he was provoked after the Italian made some remarks about his mother. The incident was even more controversial as Zidane had already announced his retirement and that game would be his last. Italy beat France, and while he said he regrets the incident, recently Zidane was quoted saying he would never apologize. “But to him I cannot. Never, never. It would be to dishonor me. I’d rather die. There are evil people, and I don’t even want to hear those guys speak.”

3. 2002

The 2002 World Cup was co-hosted by Korea and Japan and was rife was controversy from the beginning. Questionable calls by refs caused a stir as Italy and Spain were both ousted, losing to South Korea. Everyone loves a good conspiracy, especially rabid football fans. Some insisted that the game was rigged and some of the refs had been bought. FIFA denied the allegations but fans were not happy.

4. 1998

It’s considered to be one of football’s greatest mysteries. In the final match of the 1998 World Cup held in France, Brazilian superstar Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima’s name disappeared from the teamsheet, only to suddenly reappear in time for kick-off.

The strange lineup flux sparked rumors of discord, talk that he was poisoned, and rumblings about his tumultuous love life. It had been reported that the striker had been dealing with an ankle injury and he had an upset stomach. Finally the team’s doctor revealed the player had been rushed to a hospital after he suffered a convulsion in his sleep. After a slew of tests Ronaldo was cleared to play, which proved not to be the best idea in the world.

Unsurprisingly off his game, Ronaldo ended up injuring himself when he collided with French goalie Fabien Barthez, and Brazil lost the game 3-0 to France.

5. 1994

During a qualifying match for the 1990 World Cup, Chilian player, goalie Roberto Rojas faked being hit and seriously injured by firecrackers hurled by Brazilian fans, and the team refused to play the rest of the match. Footage later showed the firework never hit Roberto Rojas after all. His lie lead to Chile being banned from the next World Cup, and Rojas was banned for life.

6. 1990

The Argentinian player, Pedro Monzón  became the first player ever to be thrown out of a World Cup final match following a controversial foul on Jürgen Klinsmann of Germany.

A mere 21 minutes later, fellow teammate Gustavo Dezotti was booted as well.