Sport Today

>The Italian Football Federation has withdrawn its proposed referee for
>the World Cup, Massimo De Santis, who isunder investigation in a probe
>into possible soccer fraud.

>The federation said in a statement on Saturday it had informed FIFA
>and UEFA that it was withdrawing applications for De Santis, and two
>assistant referees, Alessandro Griselli and Marco Ivaldi, to
>participate at the tournament which starts in Germany next month.

>It said the move "must not be considered in any way prejudicial of the
>legal judgements which are the exclusive competence of judicial bodies
>both ordinary and of sport".

>All three officials are among those being investigated in the sports
>scandal which has hit four of Italy's top clubs.

>The Italian Football Federation has withdrawn its proposed referee for
>the World Cup, Massimo De Santis, who isunder investigation in a probe
>into possible soccer fraud.

>>ROFL! Come on Benny, tell us how Italian refs are the best in the
>>world.

>I said he was one of the worst possible choices weeks ago. Seems my
>suspicions have been confirmed.

>>That's news that you thought he was corrupt as well as inept.

>I'm hardly the first person to claim refs are bent or biased, usually
>however there's no evidence, it's just something we say when frustrated
>with a perceived lack of impartiality.