FIFA's opposition to retrospective punishment allowed Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe escape further punishment for allegedly 'biting' West Ham's Javier Mascherano.
Defoe insists he did not sink his teeth into the Argentinian's arm during Tottenham's 1-0 win over his former club on Sunday, even though TV pictures suggested otherwise.
Defoe was booked by referee Steve Bennett when he reacted angrily to a challenge from behind by Mascherano and the yellow card has spared the striker from further charges from the Football Association.
The Spurs striker continues to maintain his innocence despite widespread criticism of his actions and the player's agent, Sky Andrew, said: 'Jermain says he did not bite anyone. He's a very passionate boy about his football. It was a tough game and an intense environment but he says he did not bite him.
'Jermain regrets the way he did retaliate and accepts he should not have retaliated at all but it has been blown up out of all proportion.' he told BBC Radio Five Live.
Spurs coach Martin Jol labelled Defoe's actions as a 'comical nibble' but despite calls for the player to be punished further, the FA remain impotent in such cases because of FIFA's stance.
An FA spokesman said: 'We are unable to take any action because the referee has already dealt with the incident. Under FIFA regulations, we are prevented from taking retrospective action.'
Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher was punished by the FA after the event earlier this season when he left Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes in hospital following an elbow incident.
However, that incident was deemed to be exceptional because Mendes suffered a serious injury but, in most cases, the FA's hands are tied.
