FIFA has removed the alcohol brand from the Man of the Match award for Muslim footballers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Oxu.Az reports this citing "Morocco World News".
Several players received the trophy without the "Michelob Ultra" beer brand sponsorship inscription. Their photos were also taken against a neutral background with the FIFA logo. Among those who received this version of the award are Moroccan Ismail Saibari, Egyptian Emam Ashour, Jordanian Ali Olwan, Iranians Ramin Rezaeian and Alireza Beyranvand, Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, and Ivorian Yan Diomande.
The official award for the best player of the 2026 World Cup match is called "Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match". It was established in December 2025. However, for Muslims, the sponsor part is removed from the award name, changing it to "Superior Player of the Match". A FIFA representative clarified that the neutral award and background are provided upon the player's request:
"To respect religious beliefs, upon the player's request, we can provide an award and background without branding elements. Similar non-branded elements are also used in cases where the player is not of legal drinking age."
