FIFA opened a disciplinary inquiry into German midfielder Torsten Frings on Sunday after television footage appeared to show him striking Argentine forward Julio Cruz following Germany's quarterfinal penalty shootout victory. Both Frings and the German Football Federation were given until 8:00 a.m. GMT Monday to respond, with a ruling expected later that day.
The footage surfaced on Italian Sky Television, just hours after FIFA had also begun reviewing a separate incident involving Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez allegedly striking German player Bastian Schweinsteiger. FIFA president Sepp Blatter had already expressed strong disapproval of the post-match disorder. The only sanction issued at the time went to Argentine substitute Leandro Cufre, who was red-carded by referee Lubos Michel.
A suspension for Frings, 29, would be a significant setback for the host nation. He had been one of Germany's standout performers, including a notable goal in the opening 4-2 win over Costa Rica.
Italian midfielder Gennaro Gattuso pushed back against the use of broadcast footage as evidence, saying, "Danish TV robbed us of Totti two years ago." He was referring to the 2004 European Championship, when Francesco Totti was suspended after Danish television captured him spitting at an opposing player.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in July 2006, in its own words.