Spain is among the favorites to win the World Cup Fair Play award

One of the awards given by FIFA in this World Cup in Qatar is the prize of fair fight awarded to the team for promoting fair play and after reviewing their behavior. The person in charge of the review is one of the following FIFA delegates: the match commissioner, a member of the Technical Study Group or a member of a standing committee.

Those who cultivate sportsmanship in players, referees and spectators are appreciated, so that fans can enjoy the game more.

Once the match is over, the delegate must complete the appropriate form after consulting with the referee and the referee’s advisor. And all World Cup matches will be taken into account.

FIFA will award the winning team of the Fair Play Contest a trophy, a medal for each of its players and delegates, and a diploma, which will become the property of the winners. In addition, you will receive a voucher for 28,609 euros, which can be exchanged for sports equipment that you must use exclusively for the development of youth teams.

An award in which, until now, Spain is among the favorites along with other teams such as Brazil, England, France or Argentina.

Six evaluation criteria

There are six criteria used to judge the sportsmanship of teams. The review should highlight the positive aspects and not the negative ones. As a general rule, maximum points will only be awarded to teams that show a commendable attitude.

So red and yellow cards will deduct a maximum of 10 points. Each yellow card is one point less, the second yellow card will be 3 points less, four in the case of a red card and five when there is a yellow card and a direct red card. These are the only penalties that lead to point deductions.

Here Spain currently sit second behind England with just one card in three games. What Busquets saw against Germany.

The importance of playing well

The second variable is the commendable game or good game played by Spain, Brazil or England, which ranges from a minimum of 1 point to a maximum of 10.

The purpose of this review is to reward attractive and attacking play, and takes into account the following aspects. As positives they are a more offensive than defensive tactic; increase the speed of the game, will not stop searching for the goal, even after obtaining the desired result. Negative aspects include a tactic based on violent play, simulation of fouls or loss of time.

As the standard itself says, “good play is closely related to the number of scoring opportunities and the number of goals scored.” And here it is clear that Spain is leading in this facet with its 7-0 win over Costa Rica. The third is to respect the opponent with a minimum of 1 point and a maximum of 5 points. Respect for referees and assistants is also taken into account, with a minimum of 1 point and a maximum of five.

For FIFA, a friendly attitude towards the referee is very important, which includes accepting his decisions without protest. Impeccable conduct, but without any commendable action or kind gesture to the referee, should score 4 instead of 5 points. Facet in which Spain has also been exemplary during the World Cup.

Encourage good coach play

The fifth variable concerns the members of the delegation and is always under the range of a minimum of one and a maximum of five. The rule is very clear: “Coaches and other members of the delegation must strive to improve the sporting, technical and tactical level, as well as the morale of their team.” And here it is clear that this is something on which Spain is betting the whole World Cup. Luis Enrique never stops sending this message that they will not change their way of playing for the rival. Positive and negative aspects of team officials’ behavior are considered, for example, whether they calm down irritated players, or the way they accept referee decisions. It will be considered a negative attitude to provoke or provoke other players. Another factor that is also considered in the analysis is cooperation with the media. Normal behavior, but without any commendable action or kind gesture, should be rated 4 instead of 5.

It also accounts for public behavior

The last variable is the behavior of hobbies. In both scoring options: Minimum minimum 1 point and maximum 5.

The public is part of a football match. The support of the fans can contribute to the success of a team. The shouts of support, songs, etc. they cheer the teams on and create an atmosphere consistent with the spirit of fair play.

However, spectators are expected to respect the opposing team and the referee and appreciate the opponents’ performance, even if they win; In no way should they intimidate or threaten the referee, the opposing team or the latter’s fans. In this case, the maximum five points are not awarded unless they meet all the indicated conditions, particularly regarding the creation of a pleasant and respectful environment. And when there is a large number of fans. In this case, it is true that Spain does not have a massive community like the case of Argentina, Brazil or Mexico in the group stage.

Teams eliminated in the group stage are not eligible for the prize

The final analysis was obtained as follows. All the points obtained in each match for all these variables are added and divided by the maximum possible score. That resulting figure is multiplied by 1000. The total points for all variables is 40 but in case the number of followers is not enough it is left at 35. The final analysis of a selection during the last stage will be made by adding the results obtained in each match, and the total will be divided later by the number of matches played. All teams that lost in the group stage are out of options. So, we don’t know what will happen now, but if Spain makes it to the quarterfinals, they will not only be the favorite to win the World Cup, but to win the Fair Play award.