Figo set to play against England

Jun 26, 2006, 17:59 GMT

Berlin - FIFA has decided not to take any action against Luis Figo for headbutting Dutch opponent Mark van Bommel, leaving the way open for him to play in the quarter-final against England.

The Portuguese captain was shown a yellow card during Sunday's ill-tempered game, but FIFA said it would not intervene because referee Valentin Ivanov took action.

'He was sanctioned immediately by the referee at the time. The referee's report is being analysed but it is very unlikely anything will happen as he has been sanctioned,' FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said.

Football's governing body could have upgraded the booking to a red card, which would have sidelined the Real Madrid star for at least one game, ruling him out of the quarter-final in Gelsenkirchen.

Van Bommel said after the match that he thought Figo should have been sent off. 'Figo headbutted me and that is not a yellow card ... It was a clear red card.'

Portugal will already be missing midfielders Deco and Costinha for the England game. Both were given their marching orders along with two Dutch players and are automatically suspended for one game.

Referee Ivanov was largely blamed for contributing to the chaos on the pitch and received an official scolding from FIFA President Joseph Blatter.

'This was an emotionally-charged game, with exceptional drama in the last instants and a deserved winner. But the referee made some inconsistent decisions and was not at the same level as the participants, the players. There could have been a yellow card for the referee,' Blatter told Portugal's SIC television channel.

Portuguese coach Luiz Felipe Scolari defended Figo, saying: 'Jesus Christ said we should turn the other cheek. Unfortunately, Figo is not Jesus Christ.'