Frei withdrawn from Swiss squad

Alexander Frei has been withdrawn from the Switzerland squad to face France tonight.

The Swiss Football Association made the decision, in agreement with the player, as a response to UEFA’s appeal against yesterday’s decision by their control and disciplinary body to clear the striker of spitting in the Euro 2004 group match against England on Thursday.

“Alexander Frei and the Swiss FA have decided together that he will not play tonight no matter what the UEFA decision is on the spitting incident,” read a statement from the Swiss camp on www.euro2004.com.

The 24-year-old was initially charged upon review of video evidence of an incident involving England midfielder Steven Gerrard.

Frei was acquitted yesterday by UEFA’s control and disciplinary committee but new video evidence has now come to light.

Previous television footage of the incident was deemed inconclusive but European football’s governing body have now opted to challenge the finding of their own committee.

A decision by UEFA on the appeal is expected later this afternoon.