Fifa rejects Egypt's complaint over ref decision

Fifa rejected on Tuesday an Egyptian complaint related to the decision-making process that gave Brazil a late penalty and a 4-3 win at the Confederations Cup.

Egypt defender Ahmed Al Muhamadi was red-carded for using his right arm to stop a goal-bound shot on the line, and Kaka converted the resulting penalty Monday in Bloemfontein.

The Egyptians later claimed that the fourth official used a television replay to make the call and said they would protest the decision. Referees are allowed to consult with their assistants, but the use of television replays is not sanctioned by Fifa.

"A thorough analysis ... revealed that the decision in question was achieved through teamwork between the match referee and his assistant referee Number 1, Mike Mullarkey, who confirmed the offence to the referee from his clear viewing angle," Fifa said in a statement.

After Al Muhamadi used his arm to stop the shot from Brazil captain Lucio, he collapsed as if hurt, holding his head. Referee Howard Webb first pointed for a corner after play was stopped, but then awarded the penalty and handed out the red card.

"Fifa analysed the decision by going through all the evidence at its disposal, including the referee's match report, as well as the additional statement that Howard Webb provided at Fifa's request," Fifa said.

After the match, the Brazilians were, unsurprisingly, happy with the decision to give the penalty, even if it had come from the fourth official.

"I think that in some moments it's important to have a contribution like this," Brazil coach Dunga said Monday. "And I think the referee saw that there was no mark on the player's face, so he must have used his hands."

Fifa spokesman Nicolas Maingot said earlier Tuesday that he was not aware of an Egyptian threat to boycott the next match against Italy on Thursday in Johannesburg because of the penalty call against Brazil.

"Haven't heard of that at all," Maingot said.

Because of the loss, Egypt needs to get at least a point against World Cup holder Italy to have any chance of advancing to the semifinals of the eight-team tournament. The Italians beat the United States 3-1 in the other Group B match Monday.

The Confederations Cup is being used as a warm-up tournament for next year's World Cup, the first time football's premier event will be played on African soil. The six continental champions, the world champions and the host make up the six participants at this year's competition.

AP