Football: Tackle prompts Uefa rethink

It was as ugly as they come, but Paul Bosvelt's tackle will not result in any punishment even though millions of television viewers saw the Feyenoord player stamp his studs into Denis Irwin's knee.

If the Feyenoord-Manchester United Champions' League match a fortnight ago had been under Football Association jurisdiction, Bosvelt's challenge would have merited a disciplinary charge even though the referee did not see it. The Dutch player, who described the tackle as "the biggest error of my career", escaped even a booking.

Although it is too late for Irwin, who will be out at least until Christmas with ligament damage, Uefa, the governing body of European football, are now considering following the FA's lead in allowing the use of television evidence.

"It is not our policy to use television evidence," a Uefa spokeswoman, said. "We've never used it before, but that could change."

United are withdrawing their bid for the Chilean international Marcelo Salas, because his club, River Plate, will not reduce their pounds 12m valuation.