The final decision on whether or not Didier Drogba can play on Tuesday against Portugal could be taken by the referee.
“The referee is the one who should judge whether the protective cast is within the rules, that is to say if it is capable of damaging the player or his opponents,” Fifa spokesman Pekka Odriozola said.
The decision will be taken out of the match officials hands if the Ivory Coast decide not to play the Chelsea striker and the outlook was bleak for Didier Drogba after he skipped Saturday morning’s training session.
The Chelsea striker had raised expectations that he might be fit for Tuesday’s opening game against Portugal after taking part in Thursday and Friday’s sessions, protecting his arm with a light cast. However, coach Sven Goran Eriksson said earlier this week that the player’s presence for Tuesday’s clash remained doubtful.