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DALLAS -- World Cup referees and linesmen have begun a seminar that will make dreams come true for some and dash the hopes of others.
The International Football Federation, or FIFA, has preselected 30 of the best referees and 25 top linesmen from around the world to participate in the week-long seminar with 24 of each ultimately to be selected to officiate in the tournament in America this summer.
"FIFA has been busy behind the scenes feverishly improving refereeing standards," said FIFA general secretary Joseph Blatter, who was at the meeting.
Organizers said in a statement that the Dallas seminar would focus on testing the officials' physical fitness and knowledge of the rules of the game.
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Ireland manager Jack Charlton has laughed off fears about his health despite suffering repeated severe headaches, earaches and painful sore throats.
Charlton, 58, consulted doctors at a Dublin clinic and was given a brain scan, blood tests and X-rays.
But any health problems were ruled out and Charlton said he was looking forward to preparing Ireland for the World Cup finals this summer.
Charlton, who has been told by doctors to relax, said: "I feel great and I'm not worried about my health at all now."
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Diego Maradona, in high spirits after Argentina coach Alfio Basile included him to play Brazil in a friendly, said he was determined to play in the World Cup.
"It all comes down to my wanting to be there," said the former captain.
Maradona is due to appear before a local court Tuesday for questioning, for allegedly firing an air gun at reporters surrounding his home last month.
"For the time being I'm thinking about Brazil," said Maradona in a television interview "then I'll try and make the World Cup Finals."
Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in Mexico in 1986 and to the final in Rome in 1990, said he was eager to team up with Caniggia again.
Groundwork for the World Cup
16 March 1994
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