France coach Didier Deschamps asks if the referee is at the level required after semi-final loss to Spain
France coach Didier Deschamps expressed disappointment following his team's 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss to Spain. Deschamps criticized the performance of referee Ivan Barton, questioning his suitability for a match of such high stakes.
Why it matters
High-profile international sports tournaments often generate significant controversy regarding officiating and team performance.
FOOTBALL ‘Loaded question...’: France coach takes aim at ref as salty favourites lick point finger over World Cup fail France STUNNED by supreme Spain | 02:20 AFP from Afp July 15th, 2026 9:15 am France coach Didier Deschamps said his players were left “devastated” by their 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Wednesday morning before aiming a barb at match referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador.
Deschamps’ free-flowing French team had dazzled the competition en route to the last four, rattling in 16 goals in six games to earn comparisons to some of the greatest teams in World Cup history.
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