Blatter refutes conspiracy theory
(Filed: 24/06/2002)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter today issued a statement denying there was any conspiracy to keep South Korea in the World Cup.

The idea of a conspiracy theory favouring the co-hosts has gathered momentum since Korea knocked both Italy and Spain out of the tournament in controversial fashion. But Blatter's statement read: "Ongoing rumours require me to reiterate the following:

1 - The final of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea Japan will be held in Yokohama on 30 June at 8pm (local time), as per the match schedule. 2 - Any allegations of a conspiracy in favour of Korea Republic are dismissed in their entirety."

The remarkable step to release a statement publicly denying the stories shows how high feelings have been running since the shock exits of Spain and Italy. In the second round, Korea beat Italy with a golden goal after the Italians had an extra-time effort disallowed and Francesco Totti sent off. Korea triumphed against Spain on Saturday in a penalty shoot-out, but not before the Spaniards had two goals ruled out. The second disallowed goal was in extra-time. Replays clearly show the ball had not gone out before it was crossed for Fernando Morientes to head home what would have been a golden goal.