LUCERNE, Switzerland, March 4 - FIFA president
Sepp Blatter called for fair play from Chelsea and Barcelona
when they meet in what is expected to be a highly-charged
Champions League match at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.
Blatter was speaking on Saturday after a meeting of the
law-making International Football Association Board which issued
instructions to referees to clamp down on cheating and reckless
play at the World Cup finals starting in June.
Blatter was asked his view of allegations of cheating made
by Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho who accused Barcelona winger
Lionel Messi of "play-acting" to get defender Asier Del Horno
sent off in the first leg of their knockout round match at
Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.
"I hope the match in Barcelona goes ahead in a manner of
fair-play," said Blatter, "and I hope that is so for all
matches."
When the clubs met in the competition in Barcelona last year
Mourinho made allegations about referee Anders Frisk and
Barcelona coach Franjk Rijkaard which led to Mourinho being
fined and suspended by UEFA and to Frisk's premature retirement.
"I am sure there will be fair play this year," added
Blatter.
Barcelona won the first leg 2-1 at Chelsea and are
favourites to advance to the quarter-finals with the home leg to
come.