By Andrew Warshaw
August 3 – The Netherlands and Spain have been fined by FIFA for their outrageous behaviour in last month’s World Cup final.
English referee Howard Webb brandished 14 yellow cards and one red – a record for a final – in a fiery encounter which saw Andres Iniesta’s extra-time goal deservedly secure a 1-0 win for Spain.
Holland’s crude fouling and Spain’s play-acting turned the game into of the worst finals of the modern era and both countries have now been punished accordingly.
FIFA have ordered the Dutch federation to pay 15,000 Swiss francs (£9,065) after they received nine yellow cards – two followed by a red for John Heitinga – while the Spanish were fined 10,000 Swiss francs (£6,043) for their five cautions.
FIFA’s disciplinary code contains a clause on team misconduct which states disciplinary measures may be imposed on associations and clubs where a team fails to conduct itself properly, specifically when at least five members of the same team are cautioned or sent off during a match.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1735269381labto1735269381ofdlr1735269381owedi1735269381sni@w1735269381ahsra1735269381w.wer1735269381dna1735269381