Zen-Ruffinen Agrees to Leave His Post July 4

FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter succeeded today in removing his most dangerous critic and forced the withdrawal of legal action against him by members of his executive committee.

Michel Zen-Ruffinen, who accused Blatter of corruption, financial mismanagement and steering FIFA toward bankruptcy, agreed to quit as FIFA general secretary on July 4. He’ll continue in the job through the end of the World Cup.

Blatter, reelected for a second four-year term Wednesday despite a scandal-plagued campaign, also won a crucial battle for control of the executive committee at Friday’s emergency meeting.

He blunted the prospect of criminal action against him as some of the 11 committee members who initiated legal action in a Swiss court earlier this month agreed to drop the charges immediately.

Antonio Matarrese of Italy, one of the complainants, has already resigned from the executive committee.

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Players will undergo blood tests for the first time at the World Cup in a bid to find banned drugs in their bodies.

Any player who refuses to undergo the tests will not be allowed to play, FIFA spokesman Keith Cooper said.

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For the first time in the 72-year history of the tournament, players who receive red or yellow cards may be fined as much as $1,300 as part of a crackdown on foul play and cheating.

Trying to win a free kick or penalty by simulating a foul or pulling an opponent’s shirt will result in the maximum sanction.

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FIFA officials said they are still deliberating over whether to allow Ireland to replace midfield star Roy Keane, who left the team training camp last week after an argument with Coach Mick McCarthy. Normally, players can only be replaced because of an injury.... Senegal midfielder Khalilou Fadiga was allowed to play in today’s opener against France despite admitting he stole a $230 gold necklace from a Korean jewelry store. Police were not planning to arrest Fadiga.