FIFA rejects Egypt’s complaint over ref decision that led to Brazil’s penalty at Confed Cup

FIFA rejects Egypt’s complaint over ref decision

JOHANNESBURG — 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 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 Number 1″

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — FIFA has received an official complaint from Egypt 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 Monday in Bloemfontein.

“The matter of the complaint is about the process which led to the decision to award the penalty and have a red card,” FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said Tuesday. “We will come up with a statement on that later on during the day.”

After Al Muhamadi used his arm to stop the shot from Brazil captain Lucio, he collapsed as if hurt, holding his head. Referee Howard Webb first pointed for a corner kick after play was stopped, but then awarded the penalty and handed out the red card.

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.

“It (the complaint) relates to the decision process, to that decision,” Maingot said.

Even if the fourth official was used to make the call, Brazil coach Dunga was obviously happy with that decision.

“I think that in some moments it’s important to have a contribution like this,” the former Brazil captain said Monday of the fourth official. “And I think the referee saw that there was no mark on the player’s face, so he must have used his hands.”

Maingot also said he was not aware of an Egyptian threat to boycott the next match against Italy on Thursday in Johannesburg.

“Haven’t heard of that at all,” Maingot said.

Because of the loss to Brazil, Egypt needs to get at least a point against World Cup holder Italy to have any chance of advancing to the semifinals of the eight-team tournament. The Italians rallied to beat the United States 3-1 in the other Group B match Monday.

The Confederations Cup is being used as a warm-up tournament for next year’s World Cup, the first time soccer’s premier event will be played on African soil. The six continental champions, the world champions and the host comprise the six participants at this year’s competition.