FIFA to Investigate Zuniga’s Challenge on Neymar That Ruled Him Out of The World Cup

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The disciplinary committee is set to examine Juan Camilo Zuniga’s challenge on the Brazil star, which ruled him out of the rest of the World Cup

Fifa has confirmed it will analyse the incident in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final which saw Neymar suffer a broken vertebra.

Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga challenged the Brazil star from behind in the closing stages of the game, causing the back injury which has now ruled the Barcelona forward out of the tournament.

Zuniga insisted after the match he did not mean to hurt Neymar with the challenge, for which he escaped a yellow or red card, but Fifa has since revealed that their disciplinary committee will examine the incident to see if further action should be taken.

“The disciplinary committee is analysing the matter. The spirit of fair play is very important and we want to avoid difficult things on the field of play,” said Fifa’s head of media Delia Fischer at a briefing on Saturday.

Despite Zuniga’s protestations that his challenge was honest, former Brazil striker Ronaldo claims the Colombian has a case to answer.

“The challenge was a very violent one – I believe there was an intention by the Colombian player to cause some harm,” he told reporters in Brazil. 

“I don’t think it was normal football play, I don’t know whether he had planned this beforehand but I do believe it was very aggressive, very violent.”

Goals from David Luiz and Thiago Silva sealed a 2-1 win for Brazil on the night that secured their semi-final spot, where they will face Germany.

Source: Goal.com