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The 2019 IFF Coupe du monde was the 18th edition of the IFF Coupe du monde, an international tournament held every four years that is contested by the men's national teams by members of the International Football Federation. It took place from September 20 to October 26, 2019. It was the first Coupe to be hosted by more than one nation, with the successful joint bid put forward by Galenia and Piraea.
The tournament was won by Soravia, and was their second title, the other coming in 1967. The Soravian side was led by Argun Khudu, who scored one goal and assisted two throughout the tournament. It also marked the first appearance of Amathia in the competition since 1999.
Following the 28 September match between Caldia and Amathia in the group stage, violence broke out as Amathian fans expressed their rage at their teams defeat. Caldia beat Amathia 3-0 at Alikianos' Independence Stadium. At the end of the match, large group of Amathian fans invaded the pitch. Fans tried to overrun security in order to attack the Caldish team, and were intercepted by Amathia's own footballers, some of which were injured. In the stands, Amathian ultras attempted to attack Caldish fans before a crackdown by security. Outside of the stadium, the main groups of Amathian ultras began a riot, causing significant damages to buildings and automobiles nearby[1]. They also began to attack other fans and Piraean law enforcement. Riot police, which had been on call, ended up suppressing them with tear gas and rubber bullets. Hundreds were arrested, charged, and deported from Piraea.
The violence caused an international incident, with both the Caldish and Piraean governments petitioning the IFF to launch an investigation into the incident[2]. The Amathian government has apologized for the incident and has promised action within its national football association. An investigation was launched on 3 October by the IFF[3].
On 18 October, the International Football Federation announced that Amathia is banned from international football until further notice as a result of the violence. The Amathian national football association was also sanctioned by the IFF for racist abuse Caldish centre-forward Yahli Benayoun faced throughout the match. The association will have to pay €50,000 in fines. A spokesperson for the IFF said violence would "never be tolerated in football" and promised the organization was committed to ensuring "matches could go by without incident"[4].
Sartre's celebration
During the knockout stage match between Gaullica and Senria at Giannis Amanatidis Stadium, Kissamos, Max Sartre's three goal-scoring celebrations included Shangean imagery. Specifically the use of the 'Shangean military salute', noted as an enclosed fist pressed against a covering outstretch palm, caused immense outrage from the Senrian fans and players, as well as international media.
Sartre, Gaullica's star striker and one of the world's greatest forwards, expressed his 'disappointment' in Shangea's elimination earlier in the cup. Senria, who was in their group-stage, was the point of his frustration. His involvement and use of Shangean imagery stems from his parentage: both his parents were born in Jindao. His father was the son of a Gaullican Port Authority and his mother was a Shangean native. Numerous times before the coupe, and throughout his football career, he had expressed a connection to Shangea.
Whilst lambasted by his team and Gaullica's manager, Roland Varne, Sartre remained committed to his actions. He refused to apologise, stating "[he] had a right to celebrate how he liked."
The IFF ruled a suspension of the player for a match. They threatened a second match suspension if Sarte did not apologise. As of the 21st of October, 2019, Sartre has yet to apologise.
Gaullica was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Soravia, which fans attributed to in part to Sartre's suspension. Roland Varne stated that "this is a message to all players about their actions and consequences."