ON THE SIDELINES : Rojas Accused of Soccer Swindle

World soccer’s governing body, which has suspended Chilean goalkeeper Roberto Rojas for life, accused him today of attempting the sport’s biggest swindle and called Chile’s conduct “criminal.”

The International Soccer Federation sanctioned Rojas last month after he retracted claims that he was hurt by a signal flare thrown from the stands during a Sept. 3 World Cup qualifier at Brazil. Chile abandoned the match, saying its safety was endangered.

The organization’s general secretary, Joseph Blatter, said other Chileans seem likely to have colluded with Rojas in staging “the biggest attempt at swindle in the history of (the federation),” making him “perpetrator and victim at the same time.”

The suggestion of conspiracy spells danger for Chile because the federation’s executive committee could decide on further punishment in considering the case next month. Possible measures include banning Chile from international tournaments for a time.