FIFA president Sepp Blatter signalled a disciplinary crackdown at the World Cup as he launched a scathing criticism of cheats ruining football, reports The Times. Blatter will put the case for extra referees at games in front of his executive committee, meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday, and ask them whether Thierry Henry, guilty of a blatant handball against the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifying playoff against France, should face sanctions.

"The highest crime in football is touching the ball with the hand but the bigger impact on the game is diving and trying to cheat the referee," he said. "How can we tell youngsters that football is the school of life when there is cheating and lack of respect for referees.

"The lesson must come from the top and we must appeal to the players, coaches and the rest of the football family for more discipline and respect."