Costa Rica facing sanctions as FIFA investigates actions during qualifier vs. USMNT | Soccer By Ives

By DAN KARELL

The Costa Rican Football Federation did their best to put the U.S. Mens National Team off their game when the squads met up seven days ago, but it appears that they stepped over the line on multiple occasions.

According to reports in Costa Rica, the Federation is under investigation by FIFA for three separate incidents that occurred on September 6 at the Estadio Nacional. The reports state that prior to kickoff, fans booed and whistled during the United States national anthem, the PA turned off Clint Dempseys microphone as he read out a statement about fair play, and Costa Rica supporters pointed lasers at U.S. coaching staff and players.

In addition, FIFA is investigating the actions of Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell during the second half, which saw U.S. centerback Matt Besler yellow carded despite video evidence clearing him of wrong-doing.

The secretary of the Costa Rican Federations executive committee, Juan Carlos Roman, confirmed the news, and said that FIFA could potentially force Costa Rica to play their next home game (October 15 vs. Mexico) behind closed doors, taking away a key revenue stream for the organization.

Roman mentioned that the Federation has until September 16th to respond to the complaints lodged by U.S. Soccer, and the investigation is currently going through the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

Costa Rica head coach Jorge Luis Pinto commented on the investigation of Campbell on Friday, though he likely did himself no favors here in the United States.

Pinto complained that when Costa Rica was at the Estadio Azteca and in El Salvador, fans booed their national anthem and lasers were pointed, but nothing was done. He also said that U.S. Soccer shouldnt have been allowed to place cameras around the stadium, where they could catch certain incidents, like Campbells folly.

I am worried about Campbell, Pinto said on Costa Rican TV, transcribed by Diez.hn in Honduras. I hate the licit gesture from the United States for putting a camera behind the coachs area. Theyre not going to refute that, but we should not allow that. Its a camera that confuses regulations.

Its an aggressive act and its resentful of the United States.

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What do you think of these reports? Glad FIFA is investigating the claims from the match? Do you see Costa Ricas next match played behind closed doors? What do you think of Pintos comments?

Share your thoughts below.