How could FIFA endorse this Golden Ball award?

Question

It behooves me how the almighty FIFA would bestowed such an honor after such obvious disrespect for fair-play. This after FIFA so much touted how they would condone no-more such acts of violence.

I understand how good (not great) Zidane played, but he was already benched once during the tournament for consecutive yellows, and then this?

I wrote this on another answer, and that's how I decided to post this as a question. My point really has to do with how do you explain this to the little ones. My kid could have no idea what was said - and as far as I'm concerned he never will. But how do I explain to him why he saw what he saw, and then why was this man (who behaved so bad in his eyes) awarded such honor? I wish FIFA in their all-mighty wisdom could explain him that, because I sure do not know how.

Answer 1

IT JUST REFLECTS FIFA'S STANDARDS AND VALUES

Answer 2

If you must explain to the little ones why he did it then an answer may be on the way....

Based upon various reports from professional lip readers who have studied the tapes of the head butt, it appears he said something about him being a "dirty butt-******* muslim", and various comments about his "mother and sister being a whore". Plus there was a debated comment about him being a "dirty muslim terrorist". The terrorist comment has been supported by a few lip readers but denied by a few others. Additionally, the italian denied the terrorist comment, by stating that "he didn't even know what that meant"...

Personally, if he said that crap to me and there were any racist remarks like that, I would have likely hit him too. I'd put up with the "your mama's a whore comment" but the religous comment and the terrorist thing, went too far.

Just a side note though, Zidane's mother had been hospitalized only hours before the game so this likely played a part in his reaction.

Now, I am German so I could care less who won, but there is more to this story than is being told... Zidane's actions were wrong but the itlalian guy should have kept his mouth shut too. If the muslim comment and/or the terrorist comment are true, then the Itlalian guy deserved exactly what he got. And if it was me, I would have likely kicked him in the nuts afterwards. However if these things weren't actually said, which I doubt, then Zidane is a disgrace.

That being said, there's no room anywhere for racist and ignorant comments like that and if they were made, actions should be taken against the italian player.

They will likely never speek about this publically, because if Zidane states that the italian offended the muslim faith, there will be mass rioting world wide against Italy. And no one wants that again...


I believe standing up for your faith and family in the face of persecution is admirable, and a worth while cause to tell the children.

Answer 3

I can somewhat see where you're coming from. However, there are far more pressing issues in the world than having to explain a soccer match to your kids. I'd be more worried about explaining why there's so much war or famine in the world. Life is full of bad people getting good things. (not that I think Zidane is bad) He's had an amazing career and FIFA recognizes that. Aside from what happened the other day he is extremely respected among other professional soccer players. He's known more for that and his amazing skill than he is his controversy.
Most soccer fans know that it can get a little violent and sometimes unfair so maybe you shouldn't allow your kid to watch it if it upsets you or him so much. Watch curling or some other sport that never ends up in controversy.

Answer 4

I share the same thoughts. How on earth can FIFA honor a player who has physically assaulted another?

You cannot isolate the incident from all past achievements of the player however great they were. By bestowing the Golden Bowl (Best Player) to Zidane, FIFA has compromised the standard of excellence - it has lowered it and therefore can no longer be a standard anymore.

I will tell my children not to place any importance on awards, all awards; instead I will tell him about the importance of fairplay, the meaning of sportsmanship, not today's version of sportsmanship - it's perverted and sanctioned by FIFA.

Answer 5

Like this...little Johnny, you see, when MEN play 120 minutes of football against the best team in the world, they sometimes get frustrated. Knowing this, the Italian player intentionally provoked a response from the best player in the world in order to get him off of the field for penalty kicks. Zidane is the best player in the world right now. He deserved the Golden Ball. Zidane made a mistake and cost his team their best player, but nobody who hasn't played at that level, who doesnt understand how insanely competative it is, who has not one ounce of testosterone in her body, can possibly judge the character of a man who has done more to demonstrate excellence than any other active player.

The Golden Ball is not given to the best player who never gets a red card in the heat of a moment. It is given to the best player. And people who know soccer decided that this year's best player was Zidane. And they were right.

Great answer, Webg0pher.

Answer 6

Hahaha....,ya Golden Head Award! Zidane might want to lose his Golden Ball award reason his acted became completely out of control ,how ought to a Golden Ball award participant do it like this, he might want to felt very embarrassing and shame for finding out to purchase the award

Answer 7

b/c Zidane is one of the greatest player in the world. What he did throughout this World Cup was sensational. It seems like he was rebirth from his stream of consciousness. His spirit inspired the whole French team and nation, thus, he deserves the Golden Ball. Zidane's been known for his bad-temper, so it doesn't matter how many red-cards he gotten during his career, everyone just looks on the bright side of this legend.

Answer 8

Lack of fair-play,lack of respect for his team!!!My guess is he got the award because is his last World Cup!Even the french president told about him he is a man of honour??!This is the world our children have to grow up in?
Violence has nothing to do with football!!!
YOU PEOPLE IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME ZIDANE DOES THIS THING(headbuting a player),IT'S NOT FAIR TO FIND HIM EXCUSES!!!
We don't know what Materazzi told to Zidane,these are just speculations.Materazzi talked to the media,denied that he called him a terrorist,but Zidane didn't talk to the press...So who's to blame?Zidane can't face the media because he can't explain what he did.!!!

Answer 9

FIFA did not endorse the GOLDEN BALL award it was a poll that people voted on WHICH WAS ALREADY DECIDED BY HALF TIME OF THE FINAL just the same as the other three awards given in this years WORLD CUP

Answer 10

FIFA did the nomination and then sports journalists from over the world made the judgment and voted for The Golden Ball !

Yo can teach your kids how to respect others and don't be a racist, people are the same and equal where ever you are!!!!

Answer 11

It's really a shame. A player of his standing and caliber ends their career on such a down note. What will the children France think of their hero now?