FIFA has backed down after attempting to erase the accomplishments of a host of Australian sporting legends including Johnny ‘Captain Socceroo‘ Warren ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
The sport’s governing body had ordered the SCG Trust to cover up the names of seven athletes on their statues at Allianz Stadium at Moore Park in Sydney.
The act of bureaucracy gone mad resulted in changes to the monuments to the likes of dual-code icon Dally Messenger, NRL immortal Reg Gasnier, Trevor Allen, Ken Catchpole and Olympic heroes Betty Cuthbert and Marlene Mathews.
A Venues NSW spokesman told News Corp that the directive for ‘clean’ stadiums had come from FIFA, which wanted all non-World Cup branding removed from the venue.
FIFA reversed the decision after significant outrage from fans.
‘FIFA has today re-confirmed with all venues that the names on any statues or plaques at FIFA Women’s World Cup sites should not be covered,’ FIFA said in a statement.
The most shocking act of censorship of all was the order to blank out Johnny Warren, the inspirational father of modern football in Australia.
Johnny Warren laid the foundation for modern football in Australia, leading the Socceroos to their first World Cup in 1974 and establishing the National Soccer League – but that didn’t matter to FIFA
Shannon Warren (pictured left), daughter of the late Johnny Warren, has slammed FIFA’s attempt to cover up his name for the Women’s World Cup
Socceroos great Tim Cahill and the late, great SBS commentator and analyst Les Murray at the unveiling of the Johnny Warren statue in 2016
Warren was an influential figure, known for his exceptional playing career and significant contributions to the sport.
As a midfielder, he represented Australia in 42 international matches, captaining the national team on multiple occasions.
Off the field, Warren dedicated his life to promoting and developing football in Australia, advocating for the sport’s growth and recognition.
His tireless efforts led to the establishment of the National Soccer League and the eventual qualification of the Australian team for the FIFA World Cup in 1974.
He has also been honoured with the Johnny Warren Medal which is an annual award presented to the best player in the Australian A-League.
His daughter Shannon was left dumbfounded by the unnecessary censorship of their family name.
‘I just cannot understand the reasoning behind it,’ she said.
‘Why would you try and cover up a sporting great in the country where the Women’s World Cup is being held?
‘Frankly, this is beyond stupid but it is not the first thing that FIFA has done that is really dumb.’
Wallabies great Ken Catchpole has been honoured at Moore Park, but his name was covered up by FIFA as well
Dally Messenger was a superstar for both Australian rugby and rugby league and his statue was erected in 2008 before being partially censored in 2023
Olympic athletes Betty Cuthbert and Marlene Mathews (right) claimed gold and bronze in a memorable race and would have been great role models for visitors to Allianz Stadium (their statues are pictured with Betty’s twin sister Marie, left)
Johnny Warren’s nephew Jamie also slammed the decision.
‘It is ridiculous. They are not covering the names of sponsors but of sporting greats.
‘By the same token would they cover up the plaques of Pele in Brazil or Bobby Charlton in London?’ he asked.
‘It is disrespectful to the host nation and its supporters who are coming to watch the games.’
Socceroos great Robbie Slater was also left outraged by the decision.
‘It is what FIFA does, it is a law unto itself,’ Slater said.
‘I think it is a disgrace that they would cover up the names and achievements of some of our greatest ever sports men and women.
‘Soccer is supposed to be an inclusive sport and the Women’s World Cup is showcasing the very best yet FIFA’s own efforts seem to be sending out a very different message,’ he said.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off on July 20 with Australia to play Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia [Accor Stadium].
Allianz Stadium will be re-badged as Sydney Football Stadium and will host its first game on July 23 between France and Jamaica.
More Stories
Furious Lions star Dayne Zorko claims AFL has legalised attacks on players’ genitals after rival who left him with ‘bruised’ groin got off with just a fine
Manchester United 2-3 Borussia Dortmund: Errors in defence lead Ten Hag’s men to defeat in Las Vegas
LeBron James ‘kept telling diners how grateful he was’ to be at dinner with son Bronny, 18, just four days after his cardiac arrest in basketball practice