FIFA yesterday effectively ruled out the possibility of Brazil being banned from international football for knowingly fielding overage players in youth competitions.

Mexico was given a two-year ban from international football in 1988 for similar offences. A repeat of the punishment in Brazil's case could rule them out of the 2002 World Cup finals.

But General Secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen poured cold water on that possibility.

"There is an investigation and if necessary the matter will be submitted to one or two committees," said Zen-Ruffinen.

"If there was effectively a problem then it would refer to a youth competition and not to the World Cup itself."