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FIFA have condemned claims that referee Mark Geiger asked Cristiano Ronaldo for his shirt during Portugal's win over Morocco.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal as Portugal won 1-0 in Moscow, a result which took them to the top of Group B and eliminated Morocco.

Morocco's Nordin Amrabat hit out at referee Geiger - and claimed that the US official asked Pepe for his shirt in the first half of the match.

A FIFA statement said: ""Mr Geiger strongly refutes these claims and categorically states that such a request was not made," a statement said.

"FIFA unequivocally condemns the allegations supposedly made by a member of the Moroccan team.

"FIFA referees are under clear instuctions with regard to their behaviour and relationship with the teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and it can be confirmed that Mr Geiger has acted in an exemplary and professional manner as an appointed match official."

(Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: Maddie Meyer)

After the game, Watford's Amrabat - who spent last season on loan in Spain with Leganes - claimed that Pepe informed him of the referee's request.

Speaking to Dutch television channel NOS , the former PSV Eindhoven man said: "I do not know what he is used to, but he was very impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo, and I hear from Pepe that he asked in the first half if he should have his shirt.

(Image: AFP)

"What are we talking about? At the World Cup? It's not a circus here."

Amrabat's teammate Karim El Ahmadi also slammed Geiger, claiming he should have disallowed Ronaldo's goal.

"I just thought it was a violation," said the former Aston Villa man, "but that is up to the referee and he will let it go."