FIFA makes an important change after viral incidents involving Vitinius Junior and Achraf Hakimi
Following the viral incidents involving Achraf Hakimi and Inius Junior, FIFA changed the rules for translation in press conferences to include Spanish as a fourth language, in response to journalists' concerns.
FIFA changed the rules for translation at press conferences a day after embarrassing moments went viral on social media, which included an exchange between Achraf Hakimi, Fitinius Junior and journalists.
A video clip spread on social media after a FIFA official refused to allow a Mexican journalist to ask Hakimi a question in Spanish. The question came to the Moroccan star, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, before Morocco's 1-1 draw with Brazil at the New Jersey Stadium, with Rodrigo Ornelas of Mexico's TV Azteca posing the question to Hakimi, who was born in Spain and speaks Spanish.
Hakimi was keen to interact in Spanish, although a FIFA official insisted it was not possible due to translation resources. “It's okay, I understand,” Hakimi said, while encouraging the journalist to ask his question in Spanish. "I can reply in English if you prefer?"
Hakimi then turned to the FIFA official and said: “How should I answer, in English or Spanish?” Hakimi responded eloquently in English at the request of a FIFA official.
Previous rules required English translations alongside the languages of the participating teams, with Arabic and Portuguese for the Group C match in question.
This is not the only language issue at this World Cup, as Vitinius Junior has also faced a row over the language of his media duties. One of the Venezuelan journalists asked for an answer in Spanish from the Real Madrid star, and Vitinius replied: “I am with Brazil, I will speak to you in Portuguese.”
FIFA has now confirmed to The Sporting News that Spanish will be available as a fourth language in press conferences.
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