FIFA reacts to Johnny Warren family anger and uncovers statues

The move comes after the Jamberoo publican expressed his outrage earlier today, telling the Mercury covering the statues of Australian sporting legends, including his uncle, former Socceroos skipper Johnny Warren, was "disgusting and disrespectful."

In response, a FIFA representative calling Warren to apologise.

Warren said he appreciated the apology but said the representative had told him it wasn't a FIFA directive to cover the seven statues outside the stadium.

"He was hugely apologetic on behalf of FIFA for the situation," he said. "He informed me that all, not just the Johnny Warren one, but all of the plaques had been uncovered since this morning.

"While they were apologetic and embarrassed about the situation, they said at the same time that it wasn't a FIFA directive to have the plaques uncovered in the first place. Obviously Uncle John being a FIFA Centennial Order of Merit recipient and a lifelong advocate for the game, FIFA was upset.

"He said he would make it his mission to ensure that all of the plaques at Allianz in Sydney were uncovered, which is fantastic, common sense has prevailed."

The Mercury understands there was a mix-up and the names on the statues weren't ever supposed to be covered up.

"FIFA has today re-confirmed with all venues that the names on any statues or plaques at FIFA Women's World Cup sites should not be covered," a FIFA spokesperson said.

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