Wenger: Fifa should keep away

Full story: Ferdinand banned

Arsene Wenger believes Fifa president Sepp Blatter should not interfere in the Rio Ferdinand drugs test row.

Ferdinand was fined and banned for eight months by the FA on Friday for missing a drugs test.

Blatter had previously said that he wanted to see Ferdinand heavily punished but Wenger says Fifa should respect the FA's decision.

"You have to give the freedom to every country to judge the cases," said the Arsenal manager.

"Only if the country cannot judge the cases should Fifa sort it out. That's how it has worked well in the past.

"Every country has its own rules. Until the rules are harmonised throughout the world you have to respect the rules of each country.

"Fifa has an authority and a responsibility to world football," added Wenger, who was speaking before Ferdinand's punishment was announced.

"But Fifa is not Sepp Blatter - he is the president. I don't know if he completely knows the case of Rio Ferdinand. I don't know exactly what happened, because I'm outside the case."

Wenger is not often in tune with Sir Alex Ferguson but his comments on Fifa president Blatter echo those of the Manchester United manager.

"It is very unfortunate that a man in his position (Blatter) should have interfered in the way he has done," said Ferguson.