Cannavaro: 'There is no scandal' over Uzbekistan security checks

Footage showing Uzbekistan players being searched by security staff and sniffer dogs after stepping off their team bus ahead of a World Cup warm-up against the Netherlands sparked criticism on social media, with some calling the scenes undignified. The friendly finished 2-1 to the Dutch side.

Fabio Cannavaro moved to clarify the situation on Instagram, calling some headlines misleading and stressing the checks were routine. He explained that national teams do not pass through airport terminals like ordinary travellers but are taken to the tarmac, where they undergo the same mandatory screenings in a different location.

The former Ballon d’Or winner said there was no targeting or special treatment captured on camera and that pre-match screenings are normal, whether performed at hotels or at stadiums.

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