Thomas Tuchel secures another World Cup win as national anthem complaint prompts Fifa rule change

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has secured an unconventional victory off the pitch, prompting a swift rule change from Fifa regarding national anthem protocols. His impassioned complaint about photographers obstructing his view of players during the pre-match ceremony has led to a new directive, ensuring coaches a clear line of sight. The German manager, fresh from steering England to a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, expressed his dismay following the match. He recounted how a wall of photographers had prevented him from witnessing his team sing 'God Save The King', a moment he described as deeply personal and emotional. "I have to tell you something, I am begging Fifa to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem because I could not see my team in the national anthem," Tuchel stated. Tuchel has got his way after complaining to Fifa (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire) "I was waiting for this moment. It was a very, very special moment today and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a metre away, and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience." Tuchel underscored the profound significance of the occasion, adding: "When I was young and when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of this kind of occasion." His plea evidently resonated with football's global governing body, Fifa. The Press Association understands that Fifa will now permit coaches to position themselves to the left or right of photographers during national anthems, ensuring an unobstructed view. This immediate change took effect for Thursday's match between the Czech Republic and South Africa, according to sources close to the global governing body. While photographers will not be relocated entirely, they may be grouped more tightly together to accommodate the new arrangement. The AT&T Stadium's unique layout, with its limited space between the touchline and dugouts, had exacerbated the issue in Dallas. However, the option for coaches to adjust their position will be extended to all venues globally. It is another positive outcome for Tuchel, and comes less than 24 hours after he watched his England side secure an impressive win against 2018 finalists Croatia.