Uruguayan FA write to FIFA to defend Suarez

The Uruguayan Football Association have written to FIFA president Sepp Blatter to defend their player Luis Suarez following comments made by FIFA vice present Jim Boyce earlier this week.

Luis Suarez

Boyce said “I watched the latest Suarez incident two or three times, and to me it is nothing less than a form of cheating.”

By naming Suarez, Boyce was in direct contravention of FIFA’s own guide of ethics.

Boyce made no reference to other acts of simulation, for instance that of Tottenham‘s Gareth Bale who dived on the same day Suarez did but has had almost no coverage in the media. Xenophobia is alive and well in Britain.

The letter reads:

“The Football Association has noted statements made by the Vice President of FIFA, Mr Jim Boyce, made The Sun newspaper in England.

“These expressions, refer to the Uruguayan player Luis Suárez, calling his conduct an act “cheater” 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 vice-president of Fifa – 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 world football governing.

“It is for the Football Association of inadmissible and unacceptable statements made by this person.

“The Code of Ethics of FIFA, inits art. 3 clearly states: “Officers 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 it, especially if one takes into account the environment in which these expressions were discharged.”

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