Uefa probes Ronaldo claims

Updated 16.23 Thu Mar 22 2007

Keywords: Euro 2008, Stijn Stijnen, Belgium, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Uefa

European football's governing body is probing claims that Belgium plan to deliberately injure Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo during their Euro 2008 Group A qualifier in Portugal.

The Portuguese FA has made an official complaint to Uefa after Belgium goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen was quoted as making threats against Ronaldo on on Saturday. Stijnen has since denied making the remarks.

Belgium goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen was quoted as making threats against Ronaldo on on Saturday. Stijnen has since denied making the remarks

A spokesman for Uefa said: "We will look into the alleged comments and ask the Belgian FA for their comments on the matter before we decide whether to open disciplinary proceedings."

Stijnen, who plays for FC Bruges, has been quoted in the Gazet Van Antwerpen as saying: "After two minutes we will have to attack Ronaldo so much that he will have to leave the pitch."

The Belgian FA says that it has no plans to drop Stijnen from the squad for the Group A qualifier in Lisbon.