Share

FIFA: yet to investigate Villa

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.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE