FIFA to Comment Monday on Koman Coulibaly, US Match Referee

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- FIFA refereeing experts will comment Monday on the performance of match official Koman Coulibaly in the United States' 2-2 draw with Slovenia.

FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said Saturday the governing body would not discuss Coulibaly's performance before a scheduled session Monday when the 30 World Cup officials and members of the FIFA Referees Committee will meet with the media.

The panel also has yet to agree if any referees will be cut from duty before the tournament ends, Maingot said.

"This is a decision that is left to the referees committee," Maingot said.

Asked if FIFA was assessing Coulibaly's display in Friday's match, Maingot said "we don't make any comments on referees."

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The referee from Mali sparked controversy by ruling out a potential winning U.S. goal for a penalty area foul, but declined to identify which American player was responsible for the infringement.

Coulibaly was taking charge of his first World Cup match, though he officiated the African Cup of Nations final in January.

At the 2006 World Cup, FIFA's referees panel retained 12 officials for the quarterfinal stage onward, and sent home 11 others after grading them on their performance.

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