World Cup Intel: The Craziest Moments In The History Of The Tournament

Kuwait Stops Playing After France Scores Too Many Goals

Photo Credit: Peter Robinson/EMPICS via Getty Images

The Kuwait team walked to the sideline after France scored a goal late in a 1982 match to increase their lead to 4-1. Before the goal, a whistle blew from the crowd. Kuwait stopped, thinking the play was dead; France continued and scored. The manager for Kuwait instructed his team to leave the field in protest.

Referees met Kuwait on the sidelines to try and get the team back on the field. Ultimately, Kuwait’s Sheikh came down to the pitch and demanded the goal be disallowed. The referees gave in and restarted the game 3-1. France scored another goal and won 4-1. There were no protests by Kuwait this time.