FIFA has rejected an Egyptian complaint related to the decision-making process that gave Brazil a late penalty and a 4-3 win at the Confederations Cup.
Egypt defender Ahmed al-Muhamadi was red-carded for using his right arm to stop a goal-bound shot on the line, and Kaka converted the resulting penalty on Monday in Bloemfontein.
The Egyptians later claimed that the fourth official used a television replay to make the call and said they would protest the decision. Referees are allowed to consult with their assistants, but the use of television replays is not sanctioned by FIFA.
FIFA says, "A thorough analysis...revealed that the decision in question was achieved through teamwork between the match referee and his assistant referee No. 1, Mike Mullarkey, who confirmed the offense to the referee from his clear viewing angle."
Brazil coach Dunga, however, was obviously happy with the decision. "I think that in some moments it's important to have a contribution like this. And I think the referee saw that there was no mark on the player's face, so he must have used his hands."
FIFA also said it was not aware of an Egyptian threat to boycott the next match against Italy on Thursday in Johannesburg.
(Agencies via China Daily June 17, 2009)
