Soccer / World Cup Qualifiers / FIFA to probe Greek fans over laser pointed at Israel's goalie Dudu Awat

Diehard Israeli fans yesterday had their World Cup qualifying hopes raised slightly after it was announced that FIFA will probe the conduct of Greek fans during Israel's losing 2-1 effort.

FIFA announced it would investigate a complaint put forward by the Swiss Football Association that lasers were pointed at Israeli goalie Dudu Awat in order to distract him during the crucial penalty kick which won the match for Greece.

Israel Football Association officials yesterday played down speculation that Greece might be struck with a technical defeat.

Awat himself commented yesterday on Army Radio saying it would be "ridiculous" to ask FIFA to disqualify the Greek victory.

"We have full faith in FIFA and its institutions and we're awaiting its findings," the IFA spokesman said. "We have nothing more to add."

Switzerland filed a similar complaint against Greece in October 2008, claiming its goalkeepe r was blinded by lasers pointed at him by supporters in the stands. Greece is most likely to be punished with a fine or have spectators barred from attending one of it's matches.

National squad striker injured

Genk's Israeli striker Elianiv Barda will be sidelined for several weeks after hurting his leg in the Belgian club's last match.

Club officials are waiting for medical tests to determine how long it will take for Barda to recover.

The Israeli striker has scored five goals since he recently returned from a previous injury.

Despite the injury Barda is expected to be fit well before the Israeli national team's World Cup qualifiers in September.