FIFA backs down on covering up names of Aussie sports greats at Allianz Stadium for World Cup

FIFA has pulled out after attempting to erase the achievements 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 hide the names of seven athletes on their statues at Allianz Stadium in Sydney’s Moore Park.

The maddened act of the bureaucracy resulted in changes to the monuments for the likes of dual-code icon Dally Messenger, NRL immortal Reg Gasnier, Trevor Allen, Ken Catchpole and Olympic heroes Betty Cuthbert and Marlene Mathews.

That said a spokesperson for Venues NSW News Corp that the directive for ‘clean’ stadiums came from FIFA, which wanted all non-World Cup branding removed from the venue.

FIFA reversed the decision after considerable fan outcry.

“FIFA reaffirmed today with all venues that the names on statues or plaques at the FIFA Women’s World Cup venues should not be mentioned,” FIFA said in a statement.

The most shocking act of censorship of all was the order to get rid of Johnny Warren, the inspirational father of modern football in Australia.

Shannon Warren (pictured left), daughter of the late Johnny Warren, has criticized FIFA’s attempt to obscure his name for the Women’s World Cup

Football teacher Tim Cahill and the late SBS great commentator and analyst Les Murray at the 2016 unveiling of the Johnny Warren statue

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 caps, captaining the national team on several occasions.

Off the field, Warren devoted his life to promoting and developing football in Australia, advocating for the growth and recognition of the sport.

His tireless efforts led to the creation of the National Soccer League and the Australian team’s eventual qualification to the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

He has also been honored with the Johnny Warren Medal, an annual award given to the best player in the Australian A-League.

His daughter Shannon was dumbfounded by the unnecessary censorship of their family name.

“I just can’t understand the reasoning behind it,” she said.

‘Why would you try to cover up a sports celebrity in the country where the Women’s World Cup is being held?

“To be honest, this is beyond stupid, but it’s not the first thing FIFA has done that’s really stupid.”

Wallaby’s great Ken Catchpole has been honored at Moore Park, but his name has also been covered up by FIFA

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) won 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 cousin Jamie also criticized the decision.

‘It is ridiculous. They do not cover the names of sponsors, but of sports greats.

“Would they cover Pele’s plaques in Brazil or Bobby Charlton’s in London in the same way?” he asked.

“It is disrespectful to the host country and its supporters who come to watch the games.”

Socceroo’s great Robbie Slater was also outraged by the decision.

“It’s what FIFA does, it’s a law in itself,” Slater said.

“I think it’s a shame that they obscure the names and achievements of some of our greatest sportsmen and women ever.

“Football is supposed to be an inclusive sport and the Women’s World Cup shows the very best, but FIFA’s own efforts seem to be sending a very different message,” he said.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off on July 20 with Australia against Ireland at Stadium Australia [Accor Stadium].

Allianz Stadium will be rebadged as Sydney Football Stadium and will host the first game between France and Jamaica on July 23.