Zuniga escapes punishment for Neymar foul as Thiago Silva appeal rejected

There had been calls for the defender to be suspended for fracturing a verterbra in the forward's back but it has been confirmed that no retrospective action can be taken

Juan Camilo Zuniga has escaped punishment for his World Cup-ending challenge on Neymar during Colombia's World quarter-final loss to Brazil - but Thiago Silva's appeal against the yellow card he incurred in the same game has been rejected.


Fifa's disciplinary committee were called upon to investigate the incident that left Neymar with a fractured vertebra, while the Selecao also attempted to overturn the booking that has ruled team-mate Thiago Silva out of the last-four meeting with Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday night.


However, it was confirmed on the eve of the semi-final that Zuniga will not face any sanction.


“In this specific case, no retrospective action can be taken by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee since the incident involving the Colombian player Juan Camilo Zuniga Mosquera did not escape the match officials’ attention," a statement read.


“First and foremost, though, the chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee wishes to state that he deeply regrets the incident and the serious consequences on Neymar's health.

“Finally, as a general remark, Fifa and the Fifa Disciplinary Committee regret any incidents occurring on the pitch that in particular have a negative impact on the health of players.


“We wish Neymar a prompt and complete recovery as we wish the same for all players who have sadly been ruled out of the World Cup through injury.”


Addressing the decision to uphold the yellow card issued to Thiago Silva for preventing Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina from clearing the ball upfield.


“With regard to CBF’s request for the cancellation of the caution shown to the player Thiago Emiliano da Silva during the match played against Colombia, the chairman came to the conclusion that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee cannot consider the matter given the fact that there is no legal basis entitling it to grant such request," the statement concluded.