FIFA cannot touch me says Grobbelaar
Monday, 22 January 2001 22:49Bruce Grobbelaar does not fear a possible lengthy ban by world soccer's governing body FIFA over match-fixing allegations. The former Liverpool and Zimbabwe goalkeeper, who had libel damages award overturned in a London court last week, said in a South African television interview today that he felt free to continue his coaching career.
Grobbelaar, now coach of South African premier league club SuperSport United, said: "I was acquitted in a court of law and I cannot be charged again. I lost a libel action not a court case so there is nothing FIFA can do to me. FIFA will be a getting a letter from my lawyers."
The English FA said it would examine the judgement against Grobbelaar after a British court overturned an £85,000 pounds libel award made to him over match-fixing allegations last Thursday.
Three judges upheld an appeal by The Sun newspaper against the damages and said they were satisfied Grobbelaar had corruptly taken money to fix games.
"The matter, not least its international consequences, will be raised at the first opportunity with FIFA," the FA said.
The South African FA said on Friday it would write to the FA in London for further clarification on the implications of the appeal court judgement. It said it would respect any decision taken by FIFA.
After being cleared of match-fixing charges, Grobbelaar was found guilty of misconduct by the FA in September 1997 for breaking betting rules. He was given a suspended six-month ban and fined £10,000 pounds.
On Sunday, Grobbelaar said he had "no qualms" about the decision nor the possibility of a ban as he coached his club to a 3-0 win over premier league rivals Santos 3-0 in Pretoria.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
