UEFA to investigate 'plan to deliberately injure Ronaldo'

UEFA have launched an investigation into claims that Belgium plan to deliberately injure Manchester United's Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo during the Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.

The Portuguese FA have made an official complaint to UEFA after a newspaper report quoted Belgium keeper Stijn Stijnen making threats against Ronaldo.

A UEFA spokesman said: "We will look into the alleged comments and ask the Belgian FA for their comments on the matter before we decide whether to open disciplinary proceedings."

Stijnen, who plays for FC Bruges, was quoted in the Gazet Van Antwerpen as saying: "After two minutes we will have to attack Ronaldo so much that he will have to leave the pitch."

The goalkeeper has since denied making the remarks.

The Belgian FA have no plans to drop Stijnen from the squad for Saturday's Group A qualifier in Lisbon.