Blatter wants an end to shootouts
Wednesday, 27 Sep 2006 20:48
The Swiss lawyer is considering replays
Fifa president Sepp Blatter wants an end to nail-biting penalty shootouts in the World Cup finals.
The 60-year-old has proposed both teams being deducted players during extra time and has hinted the change could be implemented in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Blatter said he wants an end to the traditional shootout which decided this summer's final with Italy defeating France.
"When it comes to the World Cup final it is passion, and when it goes to extra time it is a drama," he said.
"But when it comes to penalty kicks it is a tragedy. Football is a team sport and penalties is not a team, it is the individual."
The controversial president added replaying games is another solution Fifa would be considering.
"We have four years or so, so I think we have time," he said.
"Maybe to replay the match if it's the final, you can't do that through the tournament because of lack of time.
"Maybe to take players away and play golden goal."
Blatter also spoke out against the high salaries paid out to footballers and as a result, fans were being priced out of the game.
"It is not moral, it is definitely not good for our sport," he said.
"They pay too much money to the players. There is an imbalance in their finances and they try to get money by all means."
Blatter backed Nigeria as the winners of the 2010 World Cup last week.