Juan Zuniga, the Colombia defender, will not be punished retrospectively for the challenge which ended Neymar's participation at the World Cup.

The Brazilian has been left with a fractured vertebra after Zuniga caught him in the back with a knee.

A FIFA disciplinary committee has since reviewed the challenge and confirmed yesterday that no action will be taken. Zuniga also escaped punishment during the match, which his side lost 2-1.

In a statement released last night, the governing body acknowledged that no action would be taken as the match officials had not missed the incident on the pitch, albeit no card was issued.

FIFA did, however, express disappointment that Neymar would play no further part in the finals as the result of his injury. A statement read: "As a general remark, FIFA regret any incidents occurring on the pitch that in particular have a negative impact on the health of players."