• International football

Uruguayan FA fumes at FIFA VP over Suarez criticism

ESPN staff
October 12, 2012
Luis Suarez has once again been the centre of discussions © PA Photos
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The Uruguayan Football Association has called for an Ethics Committee investigation after a senior FIFA executive described Luis Suarez's diving as a "cancer within the game".

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce branded the Liverpool striker's antics "cheating" and called for him - and others who regularly dive - to be punished, after watching the 25-year-old's attempts to win a penalty against Stoke City at the weekend.

"I watched the latest Suarez incident against Stoke last weekend two or three times and, to me, it is nothing less than a form of cheating," Boyce said at a Leaders in Football Conference earlier in the week.

"It is becoming a little bit of a cancer within the game and I believe if it is clear to everyone that it's simulation, then that person is trying to cheat and they should be severely punished."

The Uruguayan FA has responded angrily to the assertions, branding them "unacceptable" and writing to FIFA president Sepp Blatter to request a full inquiry into Mr Boyce.

"The Uruguay FA has become aware of statements made by the vice-president of FIFA, Mr Jim Boyce," the letter, also posted on the organisation's official website, read. "These expressions refer to the Uruguayan player Luis Suarez, calling his conduct an act of 'cheating' and that such a situation is a 'cancer' for football.

"We understand that this kind of comment, coming from a person who holds the position of FIFA vice-president - with specific reference to a football player and linking their actions to a disease that is a scourge on humanity - are at odds with the principles of world football's governing body.

"The Uruguay FA find unacceptable the comments made by this person. The Code of Ethics of FIFA clearly states: 'Officials should be aware of the importance of their role and the obligations and responsibilities that entails'.

"Deliberately ignoring his position and role, Mr Boyce has referred specifically to a football player, encouraging and provoking hostility towards them, especially if one takes into account the environment in which these expressions were made."

Suarez, meanwhile, has recently said he will look to imrpove his conduct after facing criticism for his antics against the Potters last weekend.

"As the years go by you realise what you have to correct," Suarez said. "I'm 25 and there are things I must improve, like my attitude on the pitch.

"But that's how I've played since I was a kid. I try to correct it but there are times when my anxiety makes me play that way. Everyone knows I gesture a lot, talk and protest, and those are things I must improve on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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