UEFA will not investigate a controversial penalty awarded to Russia in its 2-1 victory over England in European Championship qualifying.

With England leading 1-0 in Wednesday`s match at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo awarded the penalty in the 69th minute when Wayne Rooney fouled Konstantin Zyryanov.

Television replays suggested that the foul was just outside the area, and England coach Steve McClaren called the decision "an absolute disgrace" after the match.

UEFA said Thursday that the penalty was a "factual decision" and did not result from a player trying to deceive the referee.

"It will not be investigated by UEFA," the body said in an e-mailed statement.

Russia substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko converted the penalty and scored again four minutes later to put England`s chances of qualifying in jeopardy.

Russia can now advance to next year`s tournament in Austria and Switzerland if it wins its final two games - at Israel on Nov. 17 and at Andorra four days later.
sections: Sport