WORLD CUP 2010: England v USA ref Carlos Eugenio Simon had six-week 'corruption' ban

The Brazilian referee chosen to take charge of England's World Cup opener against the USA on Saturday was banned for six weeks last year amid accusations of incompetence and corruption.

Controversial choice: Brazil's Carlos Simon will ref England's opener against USA

Carlos Eugenio Simon was suspended by his national federation for 'a repetition of mistakes' but far more serious accusations were levelled at him after he disallowed a perfectly good goal for Palmeiras against Fluminense.

Luiz Gonzaga Belluzzo, the president of Palmeiras, branded Simon a 'crook, scoundrel and a bastard', adding that he was 'without shame' and 'in the drawer of someone'. He also said he had 'made a service' for Fluminense and said he would 'slap him' if he 'met him on the street'.

FIFA have selected Simon, 44, for the last two World Cups as well as this one, even though they received a DVD of his mistakes from Flamengo.

Incensed by Simon's dismissal of Diego Tardelli in a game against Cruzeiro in 2008 - he was sent off for diving when it should have been a penalty - they sent the DVD with a letter to FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke asking that he be dropped for this World Cup.

Another time, Simon failed to give a penalty for Brasiliense, a Division Two team, in the Copa do Brasil final against Corinthians in 2002. Even the Corinthians players said it was a penalty.



Look out for Sportsmail's live updates on England's practice match against Platinum Stars from 3pm



On the ball: Howard Webb will take charge of Spain v Switzerland on June 16

He has actually taken charge of an England game before, the World Cup opener in 2002 against Sweden.

Meanwhile, English referee Howard Webb's first match is the Group H clash between Spain and Switzerland on June 16.



