Portugese star Joao Pinto, sent off in Portugal's vital clash with South Korea on Friday, faces a lengthy ban from football after the referee accused him of punching him in the stomach.
Argentinian referee Angel Sanchez told a Portuguese radio station that Joao Pinto punched him seconds after being shown the red card and he has reported the attack to FIFA.
"Joao Pinto punched me in the stomach, on the left side just under the ribs," Sanchez told Antena 1 on Saturday.
FIFA sources have revealed that although the incident was not shown on television there is video evidence and it will be reviewed by the disciplinary committee.
Sources added that there is a photograph of a bruise on Sanchez's stomach. They added that Joao Pinto could face a five-match ban which would rule him out of Euro 2004.
Portugal do not have to qualify for the tournament as they are the host nation.
FIFA spokesman Keith Cooper declined to comment on the alleged attack except to say the referee's report would be examined by the disciplinary committee on June 19th.
But it was clear that Sanchez's radio interview has upset FIFA.
"We were quite taken by surprise that the referee spoke to the press before the disciplinary committee heard the case," said Cooper.
Sanchez said that Joao Pinto, along with Figo and former Portugese great Eusebio, came into his changing room after the match to apologise but not "to repent".
Gilberto Madail, president of the Portuguese football federation has admitted to the Portuguese press that Sanchez's report talks about 'physical contact' between him and the 30-year-old Joao Pinto.
Joao Pinto was sent off in the 27th minute for a two-footed tackle from behind on Park Ji-Sung.
Figo made it clear after the match that he had not been impressed by Sanchez's performance.
"If the referee wants to be a star of the match it is up to him," said the Real Madrid star and 2001 world player of the year.
"It is not for us to comment on the referee's performance," he added.
But Figo clearly was of the same opinion as coach Antonio Oliveira, who also said he would not comment before admitting candidly: "We did not agree with his decisions."
AFP