JOHANNESBURG (AP) — FIFA will not take action against Spain striker David Villa after he raised his hand to the face of a Honduras player during the teams’ World Cup match Monday.
FIFA spokesman Pekka Odriozola says its disciplinary committee found no grounds to open a case.
Villa appeared to push his hand across defender Emilio Izaguirre’s face late in the first half at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park, but went unpunished by Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura.
Villa scored twice in Spain’s 2-0 victory.
FIFA has made no decision to act against France coach Raymond Domenech for refusing to shake hands with South Africa’s Carlos Alberto Parreira after a loss to the World Cup hosts Tuesday. Domenech appeared to breach FIFA guidelines on fair play when he snubbed Parreira after South Africa’s 2-1 win at Bloemfontein, which eliminated both teams.
