Soccer: Rivaldo fined for play acting

Brazil's Rivaldo has been fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($NZ13,213) for play-acting in Monday's soccer World Cup game against Turkey, the first punishment of a player in a crackdown on "simulation".

The World Cup disciplinary committee studied a video of Rivaldo's theatrics and decided the Brazilian, a former world player of the year, was guilty of simulating a foul, Fifa said today.

Turkey midfielder Hakan Unsal was sent off after kicking the ball at Rivaldo as he waited to take a corner in Ulsan, South Korea.

Although the ball hit Rivaldo on the legs, he collapsed dramatically to the ground clutching his face in apparent agony.

Referees have been instructed to crack down on play-acting at the tournament. Brazil won the game 2-1.

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles