Has FIFA missed a good chance to act on its policy of not condoning the act of simulation or, in common speak, diving?

Yesterday, football’s world governing body confirmed no disciplinary action would be taken against Netherlands winger Arjen Robben for diving to win an injury-time penalty against Mexico in their second round clash that the Dutch won 2-1.

Robben, on a mazy run inside the penalty area, threw himself theatrically to the ground after hardly the strongest of tackles by Mexico captain Rafael Marquez.

The 30-year-old Dutchman later apologised on Dutch TV, although it was for another diving attempt earlier in that match, and not for the one that led to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scoring from the spot to give the Netherlands a quarter-final berth against Costa Rica on Saturday.

In explaining why Robben was not sanctioned, FIFA spokesperson Delia Fischer explained that the disciplinary committee will look only into “serious infringements”, and that a yellow card could not be issued retrospectively to the Dutchman.

Yes, unlike Luis Suarez, who initially pleaded his innocence over the biting of Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini before belatedly issuing an apology, Robben quickly admitted he dived — not for the Marquez incident, which he felt was a penalty, but for one in the first half that was an attempt to hoodwink referee Pedro Proenca into awarding a free-kick.

While diving is not an act of violence, such as one player biting or elbowing another, it is still a form of cheating.

By choosing not to sanction Robben, is the message being sent that players can get away with diving? Are we setting a precedent here? At the very least, FIFA should impose a fine on the Dutchman, whose comments must surely have brought the game into disrepute.

When Rivaldo went down theatrically clutching his face after a ball was kicked by Turkey’s Hakan Unsal against his thigh at the 2002 World Cup, FIFA fined the Brazilian 11,500 Swiss francs (S$16,160).

Although referees are instructed to book players for simulation, it also depends on how they interpret each case. A recent Associated Press report said many other transgressions at this World Cup have gone unpunished.

FIFA has always stressed that all forms of cheating have no place in football. But there must be greater consistency in the way those who clearly flout this are dealt with.

The writer is deputy sports editor at TODAY.