AP Interview: FIFA medical chief D’Hooghe to take hard line against career-threatening fouls

FIFA to crack down on dangerous tackles

BRUGES, Belgium — FIFA medical chief Michel D’Hooghe wants referees at the World Cup in South Africa to crack down on players who commit dangerous tackles during matches.

D’Hooghe tells The Associated Press that he plans to give referees plenty of instruction and warning, adding that a big event like the World Cup offers a chance to send the message that these kinds of career-threatening tackles are unacceptable.

D’Hooghe says “we will specifically tell our referees and let everyone know” to use the red card as soon as a career-threatening foul is committed at the World Cup.