Fifa has has changed its press conference translation rules just a day after awkward viral moments following exchanges between Achraf Hakimi and Vinicius Jr and journalists.
A clip spread on social media after a Fifa official denied a Mexican journalist from asking a question in Spanish to Hakimi.
The question for the PSG superstar came before Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil at New Jersey Stadium, with Rodrigo Ornelas of Mexico’s TV Azteca asking the question to Hakimi, who was born in Spain and speaks Spanish.
Hakimi was eager to interact in Spanish, despite the Fifa official maintaining that it was not possible due to translation resources.
“It’s OK, I understand,” he said, while encouraging the journalist to ask him a question in Spanish. “I can respond in English, if you prefer?”
Hakimi then turned to the Fifa official: “How should I reply, in English or Spanish?” Hakimi then eloquently answered in English at the request of the Fifa official.
The previous rules ensure an English translation alongside the languages of the two participating teams, with Arabic and Portuguese for that particular Group C contest.
It is not the only language issue during this World Cup, with Vinicius Jr also encountering a dispute over the language of his media duties.
A Venezuelan journalist requested an answer in Spanish from the Real Madrid superstar.
“I’m with Brazil, I’m gonna speak in Portuguese,” Vinicius Jr replied.
Fifa has now confirmed to The Sporting News that Spanish will be made available as a fourth language at press conferences.
