Zürich, 17 May 2001 - The FIFA Appeal Committee, meeting today at FIFA headquarters in Zurich under the chairmanship of Rafael Salguero Sandoval (Guatemala), dealt with the appeals submitted by the Peru FA and the Scottish FA (on behalf of their player Colin Hendry) regarding incidents which occurred at FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches.

The decisions are as follows:

Peru FA: After due consideration, the decision to have Peru play their next qualifying match against Ecuador on neutral ground was cancelled on the basis that the incidents which were to be sanctioned occurred out of the stadium.
However, the Appeal Committee maintained the fine of CHF 25,000 imposed by the Disciplinary Committee and also issued a severe warning. In case of repetition of such an incident, the file will be forwarded to the FIFA Organising Committee for the 2002 World Cup™.
The original decision by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was taken on the grounds of various incidents in relation with the World Cup qualifying match between Peru and Chile on 28 March 2001.

Player Colin Hendry (Scotland): The FIFA Appeal Committee reached the conclusion that Hendry was not guilty of serious violence (as per chapter III, item 2.4. of the List of disciplinary measures) but only of violence against another player (as per item 2.3. ) and subsequently reduced the number of match suspensions from six to three, while maintaining the fine of CHF 10,000 against the Scotland captain. Hendry had elbowed a San Marino player in the qualifying match for the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ between Scotland and San Marino on 28 March 2001.

Both decisions are final.

Enquiries to be addressed to:
FIFA Media Office
Tel: +41-1/254 9800
Fax: +41-1/384 9696

FIFA Communications Division
Zürich, 17 May 2001