Soucek Loses Captaincy and Czech Team Faces Bonus Cuts After Gibraltar Win
The Czech national football team experienced a significant victory against Gibraltar, winning 6-0 in their final World Cup qualifier. However, the celebration was short-lived due to serious repercussions announced by the Czech Football Association (FA).
Captaincy Changes and Bonus Cuts
Tomas Soucek has been stripped of his captaincy for the next match. Additionally, the team will forgo bonuses from this match. The executive committee’s decision reflects their disappointment with the team’s recent performances.
Discontent Among Fans
During the match, fans expressed their frustrations by chanting “Fight for Czechia.” The ultra group, Fanatismus Česko, had indicated ahead of the game that they would voice their concerns regarding recent underwhelming displays. These included a draw with Saudi Arabia and a defeat against the Faroe Islands, followed by a lackluster friendly win over San Marino.
FA’s Statement
The Czech FA issued a statement addressing the players’ behavior, noting it had overshadowed their achievement of reaching the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup. The FA emphasized that no player should prioritize personal status over national pride or the commitment of fans who support the team.
- The squad was encouraged to show appreciation to fans for their unwavering support throughout the qualifying campaign.
- The players will not receive financial bonuses; instead, those funds will be directed to charitable causes.
Qualifying Summary
The Czech Republic finished second in their qualifying group, trailing Croatia. Their performance included:
- Five wins
- Two defeats
- One draw
The team now prepares for a crucial play-off in March to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Notably, disruptions in their campaign included a heavy 5-1 loss in June against Croatia and a shock 2-1 loss to the Faroes, which resulted in the sacking of coach Ivan Hasek.
