World football governing body, FIFA, says the association have no plans to change its fair play rules that helped Japan to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup over Senegal, who had earned the same number of points in Group H.
Both Japan and Senegal had four points in Group H with identical goal differences and the same number of goals scored at the end of the third round of games, but the Asians qualified for the last-16 after receiving fewer bookings over the three group fixtures.
The Blue Samurai seemed to be more aware of the fair play rules, as they avoided making a single tackle towards the end of their 1-0 loss to Poland on Thursday, much to the annoyance of fans in Volgograd.
However, despite the controversies and backlashes especially from Africa, FIFA say they have no plans to change the rules. Senegal was the only surviving African team remaining in the tournament after others like Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco had crashed out.
“This is the first time (the fair play rule) has been used in a senior World Cup in this way. Obviously what we want to avoid is the drawing of lots,” Colin Smith, FIFA’s chief tournament and event officer, said Friday.
“We believe teams should go forward on their performance and what happens on the pitch, not what happens in a draw pool.
“This criteria was introduced to provide one more criteria before we would have to revert to the drawing of lots.”
Japan advanced to a last-16 tie against Belgium as Akira Nishino’s team received two fewer bookings across their three group games than the six picked up by Senegal.
“We will review after this World Cup,” Smith added. “We will see what the feedback is, what the situation is but as it currently stands we don’t see any need to change the rule that’s been put in place.”
