FIFA defends fair play policy

FIFA's director of competitions Colin Smith has backed the fair play policy used to rank teams when they are tied on points and goal difference.

Senegal became the first team in history to be knocked out of the World Cup based on the rule. They were tied on points and goal difference with Asian side Japan, but had more yellow cards.

The Three Lions of England and Belgium would have faced the same ranking system if they had played a draw in their final group game.

He said that they want to avoid the drawing of lots, adding that teams should qualify based on what happens on the pitch.

"We want to avoid the drawing of lots as we believe teams should go forward based on what happens on the pitch," he said, Sky Sports reports.

This policy has never been used in a World Cup, and according to Smith, it will be reviewed, but as things are, FIFA do not see any need to change it.

This policy will go a long way in ensuring that players are disciplined, and it will give the players a reason to be disciplined.