The Ban on Removing Shirts in Football Goal Celebrations: Origins and Forlán’s Hilarious Incident
One of football's most iconic yet controversial traditions—players removing their shirts to celebrate a goal—has been immortalized in countless matches. Yet, this seemingly harmless act became a banned celebration by FIFA in 2004, with penalties such as yellow cards enforced for offenders. While the ban may seem excessive to fans, it has an intriguing backstory, including moments of humor, chaos, and controversy, such as the famous incident involving Diego Forlán.
This article explores why FIFA outlawed shirt-removal celebrations, the events leading up to the rule, and the unforgettable antics of players like Forlán that make the ban as funny as it is serious.
Why Was Removing a Shirt Banned by FIFA?
1. The Rise of Shirt Removal as a Celebration
In the 1990s and early 200...