Soccer: English club to sack players for diving

English fourth division club Torquay United said today they will start taking disciplinary action against any of their players who dive or feign injury.

Torquay, who believe they are the first professional club in the world to begin such an initiative, will operate a "three strikes and out" policy and use video technology to prove cases.

First time offenders will be warned, players who dive again will be fined and third time offenders sacked or placed on the transfer list.

"British football has the opportunity to take a lead in resolving this major issue which is tarnishing our sport and marred the World Cup finals in Germany 2006," Torquay chairman Chris Roberts said in a statement.

- REUTERS