/ 4 August 2010

Spain, Netherlands fined over World Cup final

Spain have been fined 10 000 Swiss francs and The Netherlands 15 000 Swiss francs for their behaviour in last month's World Cup final.

Spain have been fined 10 000 Swiss francs ($9 363) and The Netherlands 15 000 Swiss francs ($14 040) for the behaviour of their players in last month’s Soccer World Cup final, Fifa said on Tuesday.

Winners Spain had five players booked and the Dutch received eight yellow cards, while defender John Heitinga was sent off.

The match produced 47 fouls, prompting Fifa president Sepp Blatter to say he had been let down by the players’ behaviour.

A spokesperson said the teams were fined under article 52 of the Fifa disciplinary code, under which “disciplinary measures may be imposed on associations and clubs where a team fails to conduct itself properly”.

The first part of the article states: “A fine may be imposed where the referee sanctions at least five members of the same team during a match [caution or expulsion].” — Reuters