Summary The change came into the spotlight after Morocco's Ismael Saibari was named Player of the Match against Scotland for scoring the tournament's fastest opening goal
BOSTON (Web Desk) - FIFA has introduced a significant change to its Player of the Match award presentation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing selected players to receive the honour without alcohol branding in recognition of their religious beliefs and cultural sensitivities.
Under the new policy, players who request the accommodation are presented with a special, unbranded trophy and a neutral backdrop that excludes beer sponsorship logos typically displayed during the award ceremony.
The change came into the spotlight after Morocco's Ismael Saibari was named Player of the Match against Scotland for scoring the tournament's fastest opening goal.
During the presentation, the usual beer sponsor branding was replaced with a neutral "Superior Player of the Match" design alongside FIFA World Cup branding.
According to reports, the same unbranded award presentation has also been provided to Egypt's Emam Ashour, Jordan's Ali Olwan, Iran's Ramin Rezaeian, Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada, and Ivory Coast's Yan Diomande.
The alcohol logo has been removed from the World Cup player of the match trophy for Muslim footballers out of respect for their faith pic.twitter.com/7NxZuaDhTR
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) June 25, 2026
A FIFA spokesperson said that an unbranded award and backdrop can be provided upon the request of the selected player.
The policy also applies to players who are below the legal drinking age.
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The move follows a similar incident during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy drew international attention after declining to participate in promotional activities associated with the tournament's alcohol sponsor following his Player of the Match award.
