FIFA Delay Decision on Turkish-Swiss Violence

After initially signaling that the investigation into the violence that fallowed the Nov. 16th World Cup playoff match between Turkey and Switzerland would be finished before the Dec. 9th World Cup draw, FIFA has delayed the final report to early next year. They have already interviewed 22 people in connection with the events of the 16th, but it seems that they now want to expand the investigation to look at the match in Switzerland on Nov. 12th.

I am not surprised at all by this delay. The results of this investigation are going to generate headlines about something FIFA would prefer not talk about. By putting it off to next year, they will prevent these stories from eclipsing the draw.

All and all, I don't think Turkey or the Swiss will be removed from 2010. I expect both sides to get some sort of punishment with Turkey getting it a bit harsher. I suspect that they will have to play a few of their games in an empty house.