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FIFA investigates Chile, Brazil fight

FIFA is investigating an altercation between Chile striker Mauricio Pinilla and Brazil's communications director Rodrigo Paiva at half-time during the two countries' round of 16 match.

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Paiva, a well-known figure in Brazilian football, has admitted to shoving Pinilla but said that he only did so in self-defence.

However, there are claims that Paiva punched Pinilla during the scuffle.

A FIFA spokeswoman told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro: "We can confirm there has been an incident and the disciplinary committee is currently analysing the matter."

The disciplinary panel is believed to have access to video footage and pictures of the incident in Belo Horizonte.

A scuffle broke out as the teams headed to the dressing rooms in the Mineirao Stadium, sparked by Brazil striker Fred slapping Chile midfielder Gary Medel on the back of the head as they walked off the pitch.

Brazil media said Paiva and Chile assistant boss Sebastian Beccacece were involved in a confrontation which ended in the Brazil official punching Pinilla.

Paiva told Brazilian reporters there was widespread pushing between the two squads, and said: "It was not just me. Pinilla came towards me and I just defended myself. I reacted by pushing him."

Pinilla, who plays for Italian side Cagliari, came off the bench and nearly won the match for Chile but his shot in the last seconds of extra time struck the crossbar.

The striker was then one of three Chile players to miss penalties in the shootout which Brazil won 3-2 to go through to the quarterfinals.