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FIFA Admits that Frings` Ban Should Have Come Sooner

FIFA President Sepp Blatter referred to the issue of Torsten Frings` ban from Germany`s semifinal clash with Italy and said that the decision to ban him should have come sooner. "The decision should come more than a day before the match, FIFA has learned something from this experience. We accept responsibility that it took so long. But the decision is final and clear."

FIFA decided that Frings could not play against Italy due to his role in the violent clash that erupted between Germany`s plays and Argentina`s at the very end of their quarterfinals meet. FIFA review video footage from the incident and decided that Frings will be punished.

At first, FIFA said that no action will be taken against any Germany players but after the media in Italy and Germany published video footage and claimed that Frings was involved, FIFA took a closer look into his involvement and decided that action is needed. There are many critics in Germany that are claiming that Italy has deliberately influenced FIFA`s decision, but coach Marcello Lippi denied allegations.