Fifa shows red card to football fanatics' website

If it wasn't already over, it is now. A football website showing free video clips of famous goals submitted by fans paid the penalty yesterday after the governing body of world football shut it down.

If it wasn't already over, it is now. A football website showing free video clips of famous goals submitted by fans paid the penalty yesterday after the governing body of world football shut it down.

The site, FootofGod.com, removed itself from the internet after lawyers acting for Fifa served its owners with a notice requiring them to take the cyber equivalent of an early shower.

Moments from the annals of footballing fame had been replayed, ranging from World Cup finals to the muddy genius of the stars of 1960s and 1970s English football. The venture used footage supplied by supporters. Kadima Lonji, the entrepreneur who set up the site eight months ago, accused Fifa of being heavy-handed by pulling the plug on a "not-for-profit" celebration of global football.

Speaking from New York, the Canadian businessman said: "I'm crushed. I set this up because I love football. I had fans from right across the world submitting footage to be put on the site.

"We were not seeking to make money, in fact it was costing me money to keep the site running and yet Fifa have seen fit to come in and crush it. To say they're shortsighted is a gross understatement."

The entrepreneur, who said he had spent $64,000 (£46,000) to keep FootofGod.com running, was served with a "cease and desist" notice by Fifa's lawyers, who claimed the site was infringing its copyright.

When it closed, the site was receiving between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors a day - making it one of the most popular sporting websites in the world.

Three of the most popular clips were: Maradonna, Argentina. Solo goal against England, World Cup 1986, Mexico.

Gordon Banks, England. Save from Pele's header, World Cup 1970, Mexico.

George Best, Manchester United. Scoring six goals against Northampton Town, FA Cup fifth round 1970.