Uruguay lashed out at FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce on Thursday, claiming the official's criticism of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who is at the centre of a diving storm, was "unacceptable".
Boyce was reported to have described Suarez's theatrical tumble against Stoke in the Premier League as "cheating", adding that the tendency for players to easily fall to the ground was a "cancer" in the game.
But the Uruguay Football Association (UFA) have written to FIFA president Sepp Blatter, claiming that Suarez has been unfairly singled out by Boyce.
"We understand that this kind of statement, coming from a person who holds the position of vice-president of FIFA, with specific reference to a football player and linking their actions to a disease that is a scourge on humanity, is at odds with the guiding principles of world football," said the letter.
The UFA added that Boyce's comments are "encouraging and provoking hostility" towards Suarez.
They want the official to face a FIFA ethics hearing.
Suarez will be the centre of attention when Uruguay and Argentina clash in a vital World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Source: AFP
