|
FIFA considers Turkey 2010 World Cup ban
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-18 00:31
Turkey could be banned by FIFA from the 2010 World Cup for its part in a
fight after a playoff match against Switzerland in Istanbul.
FIFA president Joseph Blatter addresses a news
conference at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, November 17,
2005. [Reuters] | "We will act tough," Sepp
Blatter, president of world soccer's governing body, said Thursday. "The
catalogue of sanctions extends from a simple warning to suspension of the
federation, which could mean exclusion from the next international event."
The teams tied 4-4 on aggregate Wednesday, but the Swiss advanced to next
year's World Cup in Germany on away goals.
After the final whistle, the teams raced from the field and there was scuffle
between players in the tunnel on the way to the locker room.
Blatter said FIFA's disciplinary committee will decide on sanctions by Dec.
9, the date of the draw for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"In the truest sense of the word, fair play was trampled underfoot," Blatter
said at a news conference. "This is unworthy of football. Football should
promote understanding among peoples. This didn't happen here."
Blatter, who is Swiss, later indicated that lesser sanctions might be
possible against the Swiss if the committee finds there was misbehavior in an
earlier match in Switzerland.
Swiss defender Stephane Grichting was hurt in the brawl Wednesday and
hospitalized with a groin injury, the Swiss Football Association said.
|
