A former World Cup soccer referee pleaded not guilty to heroin smuggling charges, the Associated Press reports.
Byron Moreno entered his plea on Wednesday in Brooklyn court. In September, Moreno was caught with bags of heroin attached to his body at Kennedy Airport.
Moreno is known for his controversial officiating during a 2002 World Cup second-round match between host nation South Korea and Italy. South Korea defeated Italy, 2-1 in sudden-death extra time. Italian players and officials were highly critical of Moreno’s calls, especially star striker Francesco Totti and manager Giovanni Trapattoni, who both suggested it was all part of a conspiracy to eliminate Italy.
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