FIFA Report: Ukraine Faces Punishment, Sin-Bins Possible for World Cup

(ATR) FIFA is likely to sanction Ukraine over flare-throwing by its fans during the 1-0 World Cup qualifier victory over England. The incidents are the latest black mark on the country’s Euro 2012 co-hosting preparations that have been beset by delays and financing issues.

UEFA chiefs will be concerned at the latest damaging episode for Ukrainian football ahead of the Euro 2012 championships. Sub-standard stadiums for the tournament yet to pass UEFA’s criteria – by a deadline of the end of next month – have opened the possibility of Ukraine losing up to three of its four venues to hosting partner Poland.

England officials will lodge a complaint over the crowd behavior of fans who hurled flares at England goalkeepers Robert Green and David James during Saturday’s game. The Football Federation of Ukraine can expect to be fined.

Ukraine fans hurled several lit flares onto the field soon after kick-off and also after Serhiy Nazarenko's scored the game’s only goal. Referee Damir Skomina was twice forced to stop the match, for two minutes the first time while waiting for the flares to be extinguished and removed from the field.

Football Association spokesman Adrian Bevington said the FA was deeply concerned about the incidents. “We spoke to the FIFA delegate and he is submitting a report regarding the missiles,” he said.

“We will be following this up with a formal complaint. It is not acceptable for any player to come under attack from sustained missile throwing and we will be forwarding that to FIFA in the next week."

FIFA Considers Sin-Bins for Diving

FIFA vice president Jack Warner says the use of sin-bins, a disciplinary measure adopted by rugby, may be trialed at the 2010 World Cup as a means of deterring players from diving.

A taskforce has been formed to examine the possibility of replicating the way sin-bins are used in rugby and ice hockey. It will present its findings at a FIFA meeting in Cape Town in December.

“We have to keep the sport entertaining for spectators,” Warner told journalists at the Leaders in Football conference last week. “It cannot be a sport where people simulate and fake. It cannot be. We have to change that.

“For example, a guy fakes an injury and he acts as if it is the end of the world, and then after you give him the foul he then flies up and kicks the ball. That guy should be sent off, and he should be sent off for five minutes.”

Warner said the measures could “most definitely” be introduced for the World Cup.

Plot to Bomb U.S. buildings in South Africa

A plot by a group of Somali terrorists to attack U.S. offices in South Africa has reportedly been thwarted. The news comes as the U.S. national football team beat Honduras in a 2010 World Cup qualifier at the weekend to book their place in a sixth consecutive World Cup.

South Africa’s Sunday Tribune reported that U.S. recently closed its offices in the country because of intercepted mobile phone communication detailing planned attacks on American interests. The newspaper said it was unclear whether American interests included a possible visit by U.S. President Barack Obama for the official opening of the World Cup in June next year.

Soweto Concert to Open World Cup

The local passions of football and music will come together on the eve of next year’s World Cup in South Africa in a spectacular concert at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.

FIFA has appointed live entertainment production company, Control Room, to create, organize and produce the June 10 concert that will act as the curtain-raiser on the June 11-July 11 tournament.

FIFA said it will feature major African and international music artists. Control Room, which was responsible for organizing the Live Earth music concerts, has yet to announce the line-up of performers.

All net proceeds from the concert will be donated to ‘20 Centers for 2010’, the official campaign of the 2010 World Cup, which aims to build 20 centers across Africa offering education and healthcare services as well as football training to disadvantaged communities.

Briefs…

… Germany named its 2010 World Cup base, near the city of Pretoria, less than 24 hours after qualifying for the tournament. The luxury Velmore Hotel will only be finished next month, but the German Football Association has already booked an entire wing for the tournament. The hotel, which has 90 rooms, is in Centurion, a town with a population of 280,000 located between the South African capital and Johannesburg, not far from five of the 10 venues.

… Visa, FIFA’s credit card partner, has reminded American fans that only Visa will be accepted for official ticket and package purchases to follow the U.S. team at the World Cup. “Qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is something the entire United States can celebrate and enjoy,” said Richelle Parham, Visa’s head of global marketing services. “Visa is committed to enhancing the football fan’s entire FIFA World Cup experience.” Visa’s sponsorship activation includes a discount on packages for premium cardholders.

Written by Anthony Stavrinos