France star Jules Kounde faces penalty after breaking FIFA rule

France star Jules Kounde is facing a penalty after deciding to wear a gold chain during his country’s World Cup clash with Poland on Sunday. Kounde was forced to remove the jewellery just before half time when the game was still goalless.

Kounde had started one of France’s World Cup group games before Les Bleus went head-to-head with Poland at the Al Thumama Stadium. And he was named at right-back for the encounter as the reigning champions looked to book their place in the quarter-finals.

He was captured by television cameras wearing the gold chain throughout the majority of the first half. And as he went to take a throw in with four minutes of the opening period remaining, the assistant referee spotted the item and told him to remove it.

A member of France’s backroom team then came onto the pitch to take help Kounde take the chain off, with 30 seconds of action being wasted.

“Jewellery,” exclaimed BBC commentator Robyn Cowen as the action was temporarily paused. “Surely not,” replied ex-Premier League striker Dion Dublin. “There’s got to be a way of getting this off before the game maybe. Cowen added: “A little taste of Sunday League at home.” But Dublin then quipped: “I don’t know anybody in Sunday League who can afford a gold chain, let me tell you.”

Under FIFA World Cup regulations, players are prohibited from wearing any jewellery. And referees usually check to ensure all players are following the rules before matches kick-off. So it remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old will face any further sanctions after the match.

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