GERMANY coach Joachim Low failed to show up for the official press conference ahead of the World Cup last 16 match against England tomorrow.
No player was present either -contrary to FIFA regulations - with goalkeeping coach Andreas Kopke conducting the briefing.
There was speculation that Germany were angry at not being allowed to train on the Free State Stadium pitch.
Instead they used the facilities at a nearby university complex before the press conference.
Kopke said: "This is not a protest at all. People were not able to get here on time.
"We were not able to use the stadium. We had to use another site and tried to be punctual (for the press conference)."
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When pressed on what will be viewed as a snub by Low, Kopke became irritated.
He said: "We were not able time-wise to get here. We want to be well prepared for tomorrow, that is the reason.
"We were not able to practice on the pitch for logistics reasons. But it is the same for England. We are used to it. We did not practice in the actual stadium the last two times.
"It is not a protest, that's the way it is. There is no point in asking the question again and again."
Kopke is well informed about penalties, should it come to that again when a place in the quarter-finals is at stake.
He saved Gareth Southgate's effort for England in the semi-final at Euro 96, on the way to his team winning the championship.
Kopke has no fears that current number one Manuel Neuer will rise to the challenge if needed.
Kopke said: "I think it would be great not to have to go to a penalty shoot-out. If we have to go for it, we are prepared. Manuel will of course get the info he needs. But I am not going to give any secrets away.
"We practise penalties but cannot simulate this situation. You have got 120 minutes behind you, the atmosphere is completely different."
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A statement from FIFA read: "FIFA has taken note of this matter. No disciplinary sanctions are foreseen in such cases. However, in such situations, FIFA always reminds the teams of their media duties with regards to the competition, in the best interest of the media and the fans. Therefore, we have contacted the German team to remind them of these duties."
There was speculation that Germany were angry at not being allowed to train on the Free State Stadium pitch.
Instead they used the facilities at a nearby university complex before the press conference.
Kopke said: "This is not a protest at all. People were not able to get here on time.
"We were not able to use the stadium. We had to use another site and tried to be punctual (for the press conference)."
mfl
When pressed on what will be viewed as a snub by Low, Kopke became irritated.
He said: "We were not able time-wise to get here. We want to be well prepared for tomorrow, that is the reason.
"We were not able to practice on the pitch for logistics reasons. But it is the same for England. We are used to it. We did not practice in the actual stadium the last two times.
"It is not a protest, that's the way it is. There is no point in asking the question again and again."
Kopke is well informed about penalties, should it come to that again when a place in the quarter-finals is at stake.
He saved Gareth Southgate's effort for England in the semi-final at Euro 96, on the way to his team winning the championship.
Kopke has no fears that current number one Manuel Neuer will rise to the challenge if needed.
Kopke said: "I think it would be great not to have to go to a penalty shoot-out. If we have to go for it, we are prepared. Manuel will of course get the info he needs. But I am not going to give any secrets away.
"We practise penalties but cannot simulate this situation. You have got 120 minutes behind you, the atmosphere is completely different."
mfl
A statement from FIFA read: "FIFA has taken note of this matter. No disciplinary sanctions are foreseen in such cases. However, in such situations, FIFA always reminds the teams of their media duties with regards to the competition, in the best interest of the media and the fans. Therefore, we have contacted the German team to remind them of these duties."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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