FIFA Adapts World Cup Award to Respect Muslim Players’ Faith
It has removed alcohol branding for several players, out of respect for religious beliefs and cultural considerations.
The change has drawn attention after several Muslim players received a non-branded version of the award following standout performances at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Morocco’s Ismael Saibari earned Man of the Match honors after scoring the first fastest goal of the tournament against Scotland. During his award presentation, the usual Michelob ULTRA branding, tied to the beer company sponsoring the prize, was absent from the backdrop and trophy visuals. Instead, the presentation featured a neutral “Superior Player of the Match” design alongside FIFA World Cup branding.
The same approach has reportedly been used for several other players, including Egypt’s Emam Ashour, Jordan’s Ali Olwan, Iran’s Ramin Rezaeian and Ali Beiranvand, Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, and Ivory Coast talent Yan Diomande.
According to reports, FIFA introduced the adjustment to respect the religious beliefs of Muslim players and the cultural sensitivities of some participating nations, where alcohol consumption is prohibited or discouraged.
A FIFA spokesperson told SPORTbible that “a non-branded award and backdrop are available upon request by the selected player,” adding that the same approach is also used when a player is under the legal drinking age.
The issue is not entirely new in football. During the 2018 World Cup, Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy appeared to decline the traditional Player of the Match prize because of its alcohol sponsorship, sparking widespread discussion online at the time.
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In recent years, several competitions and leagues have adapted celebrations and award presentations involving Muslim players, including replacing alcohol bottles with neutral or non-alcoholic alternatives.
At the 2026 World Cup, FIFA appears to have opted for a quieter compromise: keeping the award itself while removing the sponsor branding when needed.
Source: moroccoworldnews.com
