The suspension had been imposed by FIFA's disciplinary committee only hours before kickoff of the game in La Paz. FIFA's appeal committee described Messi's behaviour as "reproachable". However, it said that the "evidence available was not sufficient, according to the standards required....in sanctioning serious incidents which have been missed by match officials." "The appeal committee nevertheless underlines the importance of always showing respect to the match officials, stressing that such a principle is essential in football," it added. Argentina are fifth in the 10-team South American group with 22 points from 14 games, two ahead of Ecuador and four ahead of Peru.

Source: bd News24 May 06, 2017 04:41 UTC