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World Cup: Frings could be punished over punch-up

Germany could be hit by a late blow ahead of today's World Cup semi-final with Italy after FIFA announced they would take a decision whether to punish influential midfielder Torsten Frings.

The sport's governing body took the decision on Sunday after viewing television footage where he apparently hits Argentinian striker Julio Cruz after the quarter-final which saw the hosts prevail in a penalty shootout.

FIFA have also asked the German federation to give their side of the story by early yesterday morning with a verdict to be handed out later on Monday.

"After viewing the images the FIFA disciplinary Commission has decided to open an enquiry into Torsten Frings," said FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren.

"Frings and the German Federation (DFB) have till 8am on Monday to present their side of the story. A decision will be delivered on Monday afternoon."

Frings, who was also in the German squad that reached the 2002 World Cup finals, protested his innocence.

"I did nothing," he told yesterday's edition of Kreiszeitung Syke. "I found myself mixed up in a melee where fists were raining down everywhere. I myself was hit twice. It was at that point I protected myself, and put my hand in front of me, but I did nothing else."

The images were shown on Italian Sky Television on Sunday just hours after FIFA had said they were looking into claims that Argentinian midfielder Maxi Rodriguez had hit Germany's Bastian Schweinsteigger.

All this took place after the hosts had eliminated Argentina on penalties, with even team manager Oliver Bierhoff wading in he claimed to separate the players from each other.

FIFA had already launched an investigation into the shabby scenes, with its president Sepp Blatter taking a very dim view of the fracas.

Frings role if proved could be a serious blow as the 29-year-old Werder Bremen dynamo has been outstanding for the hosts since the outset of the tournament, scoring a blinder in the opening 4-2 victory over Costa Rica.

Argentina claimed that they felt they were provoked by unsporting behavior during the penalties by the German players, but only one received a sanction when non-playing substitute Leandro Cufre was red carded by Slovakian referee Lubos Michel.
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