Tournament News
FIFA: yet to investigate Villa
2010-06-22 14:34
Email | Print
Johannesburg - The ruling football body FIFA is yet to decide whether to investigate Spain striker David Villa for slapping Honduran defender Emilio Izaguirre in the face at the World Cup.
Asked whether the incident during the game, which Spain won 2-0 through Villa's double, was being investigated, FIFA spokesman Pekka Odriozola told a news conference on Tuesday: "At the moment I have no information on that.
"It's too early to make a comment on that. First we will have to see the reports.
"Then, if need be, our disciplinary committee would have to have a look at the (television) footage and take a decision or come up with some more information on that," Odriozola said.
Valencia star Villa, who moves to Barcelona next season, struck Izaguirre with the back of his hand. It appeared as if Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura missed the incident.
FIFA could still, however, take action against the player on the basis of the television footage if the incident is not mentioned in the referee's report.
In 2006, German player Torsten Frings was suspended for two games after throwing a punch at an opponent after the quarter-final game against Argentina. Brazil's Rivaldo was fined via TV evidence for play-acting at the 2002 World Cup.
"My instinct was to stretch out my arm," Villa said after Tuesday's game, insisting the slap was unintentional.