French midfielder Camille Abily has avoided punishment for the incident involving England’s Laura Bassett in their opening World Cup fixture, with FIFA declaring there was no case.
Despite England manager Mark Sampson being furious with the decision during the match, which saw Abily leave Bassett on the ground after a clear elbow to the face, the FA rejected the chance to make a formal complaint.
The Three Lionesses fell to a 1-0 defeat after Eugenie Le Sommer’s superb strike in the first half, and the incident was unlikely to have any real impact on the result in Group F. Bassett, who plays her club football for Notts County, was poleaxed by the 30-year-old attacking midfielder, and was left with subsequent heavy bruising to the face.
Sampson expressed his anger at the referee not showing a red card to the French star, and when asked if she should have been dismissed, replied: “A look at Laura will answer the question. We were told before the tournament we would be protected if we abide by the rules, we have been let down and so has Laura Bassett.”
However, the Standard report that a FIFA spokesman has commented on the situation. “We can confirm that no complaint has been received,” they said. “Upon review of the matter it was determined that there are no grounds to open proceedings.”
FIFA have previously taking action on a player after a fixture, which saw Italian Mauro Tassotti banned for eight matches during the 1994 edition of the men’s World Cup. But with the FA not taking the matter further, a case will not be created. Many have expressed their concern in Greek referee Efthalia Mitsi who missed the incident, but the spokesperson added: “Decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.”
Bassett is expected to be available for England, when they next take on Mexico on Saturday night.
