Fifa recommends fence ban

Zen-Ruffinen: "Metal fences proved to be a deathtrap"

Fifa is considering a worldwide ban on perimeter fencing at football pitches following the death of 43 fans at Ellis Park in South Africa.

Supporters were crushed after a fence collapsed during a local derby match at the ground.

After a meeting of its Emergency Committee, General-Secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen confirmed Fifa was considering sanctions against clubs or associations which fail to meet international safety standards.

There was inadequate cooperation between stadium organisers and civil security forces

  Fifa General Secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen

"The match was apparently allowed to start even though the situation inside and outside the stadium was not under control," he said.

"There was inadequate cooperation between stadium organisers and civil security forces.

"And the presence of metal fences inside the ground once again proved to be a deathtrap."

Zen-Ruffinen said the tragedy would have been avoided had the organisers complied with basic Fifa guidelines.

Proposals must be approved in July

The body's recommendations include a specific ban on fences around the pitch.

But at the moment it only has the power to insist the guidelines are adhered to at international matches.

Domestic matches, like the one in South Africa, are not covered.

Fences have also been held responsible for other tragedies, such as the Hillsborough stadium disaster in 1989 in which 96 fans died.

The Emergency Committee's proposals have to be approved at the next meeting of the Fifa executive on 7 July in Buenos Aires.