HOOFDDORP, Netherlands (AP) — The international players' union has called on FIFA to investigate why a Club World Cup match was played on a potentially dangerous rain-soaked field in Morocco.
FIFPro says letting the Cruz Azul-Western Sydney Wanderers quarterfinal match continue in Rabat on Saturday "posed a serious threat to the health and safety of all players."
The Mexican club won 3-1 in extra time with players splashing through large puddles.
FIFPro official Tijs Tummers said "players as workers have a right to a safe work environment," adding FIFA must ensure "effective rules are in place to prevent a repetition."
Referee Noumandiez Doue of Ivory Coast allowed the match to proceed, and Cruz Azul won.
In a statement in reply to questions from The Associated Press, FIFA said Wednesday: "The referee decided that the pitch is playable and therefore the match went on."