SHEFFIELD Wednesday striker Regi Blinker has been suspended worldwide by football's world governing body with immediate effect and is now ruled out of today's ,game against Sunderland.
Blinker apparently signed contracts for Wednesday and Udinese at about the same time, in breach of article 12 (clause three).
The Dutchman has been asked to forward an explanation by next Friday. A FIFA spokesman said: "The ban applies until then at least and perhaps beyond. We want to find out why he seemed to sign contracts with different clubs, one in England and one in Italy."
Blinker joined Wednesday in a £250,000 move from Feyenoord in March, but it is believed that two months earlier he signed a document pledging his intent to sign for Udinese when his contract expired in the summer.
Now the Italians have complained through their governing body and FIFA have decided to act while the affair is being investigated.
Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland defender Curtis Fleming has signed a new contract with Middlesbrough - committing himself to the club until the summer of 2001.
The 28 year old full back said: "If have been here since 1990 and the club has made massive growth since then. I think it will grow much more again in the next five years and I want to be part of that. I have also settled well on Teesside since moving over here from Dublin. I think it is a great place."
Manager Bryan Robson said: "This is good news for Boro. Curtis, is an excellent defender. He has worked hard over the years and deserves a five year contract."
Celtic striker Pierre Van Hooydonk was back in Holland yesterday for treatment to a groin injury as his club saw their chance to go top of the table put on hold following the postponement of their match against Dunfermline.
The postponement offered Rangers an unforeseen pre Scottish League Cup final boost with their three point lead at the summit of the Scottish premier league staying in tact for another week. Rangers face Hearts at Celtic Park tomorrow looking overwhelming favourites to collect their first trophy of the season. Hearts were hammered 5-1 by Rangers in the Scottish Cup final last May.
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Republic out
N IRELAND U-16: 4, REP OF IRELAND U-16: 1.
THE Republic failed in their bid to qualify for the UEFA under 16 European Championship finals when they lost heavily to Northern Ireland at Coleraine last night.
The Republic's task was already an uphill one after Northern Ireland's 4-1 victory over Lithuania, and Lithuania's victory over the Republic on Wednesday. Star of the show was Northern Ireland's Gary Hamilton who scored all four goals. Damian Brennan grabbed a consolation strike for the Republic on the final whistle.