Uruguay FA to defend Suarez

The Uruguay FA has vowed to defend Luis Suarez after FIFA began disciplinary proceedings against him for allegedly punching an opponent.



FIFA are looking into the incident in which Suarez allegedly attacked Chile defender Gonzalo Jara during a World Cup qualifier last month.



"Suarez is being persecuted by different football leagues, mainly the English, and we think this is unjust because it's a normal action in football," Uruguay FA president Sebastian Bauza is quoted as saying on South American governing body CONMEBOL's website.



"We will defend him very strongly. We are working with all the videos and pictures showing Suarez reacted to an initial aggression from Jara."



Argentine referee Nestor Pitana missed the incident during Chile's 2-0 victory in Santiago on March 26 when Premier League top-scorer Suarez and Nottingham Forest defender Jara clashed in the penalty area during a corner.



Uruguay have until April 17 to present their response to FIFA.

Wembley set for technology

Goal-line technology looks set to be used in this year's Community Shield, with replays of decisions to be shown on television.

Football Association general secretary Alex Horne is confident the traditional Wembley curtain-raiser will see the controversial system in operation but stadium replays of incidents may not be permitted, despite clearance from FIFA.

The FA and the Premier League are tendering together for a system and are in advanced talks with two of the four licensed providers, including British-based firm Hawk-Eye.

Horne said: "We are in the middle of tendering at the moment with the Premier League, so it is effectively 20 Premier League clubs and Wembley Stadium.

"We are looking at the providers that are available and are looking at a couple and will be making a decision shortly. We expect the technology to be in place for next season, for the Community Shield."

As for replays, Horne said: "Certainly the broadcasters need to have that accessibility to show the goal-line incident because that's at the heart of the integrity of the decision that has been made.

"Whether you show it in the stadium falls in the 'controversial decision' element to me and we have not made a decision on that."

The Premier League have said goal-line technology systems will be mandatory in their clubs' stadiums, but Horne said it was still in the balance as to whether it would be used in FA Cup matches involving a top-flight side and one from a lower league.

He added: "My view is that it exists as an advantage for both teams.



"It will also be available for example for the play-offs next season at Wembley but it is a decision for the Football League whether they want to use it."