World Cup referee Mark Geiger has “categorically” denied he asked for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt at half-time in the Morocco game.
Fifa said it “unequivocally” condemns the claim, reportedly made by Morocco’s Nordin Amrabat after their 1-0 defeat.
Watford winger Amrabat said Ronaldo’s team-mate Pepe told him of the request.
Fifa said Geiger “strongly refutes these claims”, adding the American had “acted in a exemplary and professional manner”.
Ronaldo scored the winner on Wednesday, as the European champions knocked Morocco out of the tournament.
Speaking to Dutch TV, Amrabat reportedly said: “I do not know what [the referee] is used to, but he was very impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
“And I hear from Pepe that he asked in the first half if he should have his shirt.”
