Figo cleared for England game

Portugal captain Luis Figo can take part in England's game in the World Cup quarter-finals after FIFA ruled out on Monday further action for a head-butt on Holland's Mark Van Bommel.<br>

كتب : Megan Detrie

الإثنين، 26 يونيو 2006 - 16:46
Portugal captain Luis Figo can take part in England's game in the World Cup quarter-finals after FIFA ruled out on Monday further action for a head-butt on Holland's Mark Van Bommel.

FIFA has decided to not intervene because Figo was shown a yellow card by referee Valentine Ivanov at the occurrence.

"He was sanctioned immediately by the referee at the time," FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said as reported by BBC Sport.

"The referee's report is being analyzed but it is very unlikely anything will happen as he has been sanctioned."

There was a possibility FIFA would upgrade the booking to a red card, which would have led to a one-match ban for the Inter Milan forward.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari defended his skipper and said he was just reacting to the Dutch violence.

"Jesus said we should turn the other cheek, unfortunately, Figo is not Jesus Christ," the Brazilian manager joked.

But Van Bommel wasn't in a mood of jokes as he was left frustrated by FIFA's reaction and what he saw as Figo getting off too lightly.

"Figo head-butted me and that is not a yellow card. I blame the referee, it was a clear red card," the Dutch midfielder said.

Despite Van Bommel's protests, Siegler said FIFA was unwilling to address the issue any further.

"It is only where there is a clear disciplinary issue, which has not been acted upon by the referee that the disciplinary committee can look at it," the communications director said.