FIFA has launched an investigation after the German Football Association violated the press conference rules ahead of the World Cup match against Spain.

As the world association announced on Monday, the disciplinary commission is investigating violations of Article 44 of the World Cup regulations and several articles in the media and marketing rules as well as in the so-called team handbook that applies to all 32 World Cup participants.

Concrete background: National coach Hansi Flick appeared alone on Saturday afternoon for the obligatory press conference before the group game in the international media center in Doha.

However, all teams are obliged that before each game, in addition to the head coach, one player also speaks to the world press.

Flick justified this approach with what he believed to be the long journey from the team headquarters in northern Qatar to the capital, a good 100 kilometers away.

About 30 hours before kick-off, none of the 26 players in his squad could “be expected to do this,” said Flick.

Instead, they wanted to hold the press conference in the DFB media hotel in Al-Shamal right next to the training ground.

This was not allowed by FIFA.

The possible consequence should now be a warning or a fine for the DFB.

The next press conference for the DFB in Doha will take place on Wednesday, the day before the last and decisive group game against Costa Rica (Thursday, 8 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the World Cup, on ARD and on MagentaTV).

Raum and Sané fit for Costa Rica

Meanwhile, the coaching team around Flick is in good spirits that the German national team can play against Costa Rica with the battered full-back David Raum.

Attacking player Leroy Sané, who missed the 2-1 draw with Japan due to knee problems, gave “positive signals” after his 20-minute appearance in the 1-1 draw against Spain the day after, like co-trainer Danny Röhl reported in al-Shamal on Monday.

The Leipzig area had to be substituted at the World Cup in Qatar shortly before the end of the game due to a bruised rib.

"We think it's good for both of them," said Röhl, looking ahead to Thursday's game, which must be won.

Sané in particular was also an asset on the offensive after being substituted on.

"Leroy brought what he can do to the pitch, what we appreciate about him," said Marcus Sorg, Flick's other assistant, in a digital press conference the day after the game.

Flick's staff rated the game against Spain as "great progress", even if the DFB selection is bottom in Group E after two matchdays with just one point behind Spain (4), Japan and Costa Rica (3 each).

A tournament is "a process", emphasized Röhl.

The fact that it could be seen on the pitch and on the substitutes' bench "that we are a unit" was rated particularly positively.

As was the case after the lost Japan game, the wives, girlfriends and children of the players were allowed into the DFB quarters.

"The boys should switch off," said Röhl.

Flick's assistants left it open whether goal scorer Niclas Füllkrug will attack Costa Rica from the start for the first time.

You have to look at which player has what effect on the pitch at what time, noted Sorg.

However, Röhl confirmed the increasing importance of Werder Bremen's classic centre-forward.

“Abundance is a team leader.

He goes ahead.

He's good for the team.” The 29-year-old brings “a lot of energy” to the team.