2023-12-21T06:57:36+00:00
A-
A
A+
/ The Iraqi international referee, Mohammed Tariq Ahmed, is facing a problem because of two tattoos on his chest and leg.
The head of the referees committee of the Iraqi Football Association, Najah Rahm, announced the temporary suspension of Ahmed, due to these two tattoos, which the committee had asked him several times not to reveal during matches.
“More than once we asked international referee Mohamed Tariq to cover the tattoo during matches, but he refused,” Rahm said.
He added: “It is true that these things are not prohibited by law, but they are not part of our traditions and customs, and sometimes they put pressure on the atmosphere of the matches, so we decided to suspend him temporarily. This is not a disciplinary measure as much as it is an opportunity for correction and review,” according to Agence France-Presse.
In addition, Rahm confirmed that “Ahmed is one of the talented and important referees and has a great future in the field of refereeing,” expressing his hope that he will not let this future go to waste.
In contrast, the suspended referee explained that the tattoo he wears does not contain any racist references, saying, “The tattoo of the lion and the map of Iraq represent the symbolism of the Iraqis.”
He also stressed that “the Iraqi constitution does not prohibit this, in addition to the legal texts approved by the International Federation (FIFA) in this regard, as long as the tattoo does not represent any racist message.”
He said: “I have filed a complaint with the Iraqi Federation and I will file a lawsuit in this regard in one of the courts as well.”
It is noteworthy that the international referee is the son of the late Secretary-General of the Iraqi Federation and former Chairman of the Referees Committee, Tariq Ahmed. He has a tattoo of a lion on his left thigh and a map of Iraq on his chest.