June 17, 2002	Monday	Rabi-us-Sani 5, 1423

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SEOUL, June 16: Portugal forward Joao Pinto could face a serious sanction from world governing body FIFA who have television evidence that he punched Argentine referee Angel Sanchez after being sent off in Friday’s clash with South Korea.

FIFA communications director Keith Cooper said the report of the referees inspector on the incident had been submitted to the body’s disciplinary committee, which was due to meet on Sunday.

He said a special hearing with the referee would take place on Wednesday in Tokyo.

Portugal’s captain Fernando Couto also held Sanchez by the face as the the players argued with the referee in the protests that could even have an impact on the availability of Joao Pinto and Couto for the 2004 European championship that Portugal hosts.

Cooper declined to say whether the report included allegations of punching.—Reuters