Rivaldo on last warning

Rivaldo has been warned that he faces being banned if he cheats again during this World Cup.

The Brazilian star was yesterday fined a total of €7,000 for feigning a head injury when Turkey’s Hakan Unsal fired the ball against his leg while Rivaldo was waiting to take a corner.

It was the first time ever in the tournament a player has been fined and FIFA communications director Keith Cooper said today: ‘‘It has been brought to the attention of the Brazilian Football Federation that if he continues to behave in this manner he may be sanctioned strongly by the FIFA

disciplinary committee.’’

There was little likelihood of Rivaldo being banned for a first offence - not least because it would have provoked a storm in the Brazilian camp, but now he has had his last warning.

FIFA’s disciplinary chief Marcel Mathier added: ‘‘It’s regrettable that a world-class player such as Rivaldo has resorted to this type of subterfuge.

‘‘FIFA want to demonstrate that this type of simulation cannot be accepted and cannot go unpunished. We were able to determine that Rivaldo had faked when he pretended to be hit in the face and this is the reason we intervened.

‘‘Such behaviour means that everybody is cheated, not only the opponents but also the referee and particularly the fans.’’