The Football Association today confirmed no action will be taken against Manchester United or Ben Foster following the use of an iPod before yesterday's Carling Cup Final victory over Tottenham at Wembley, writes James Olley.

United keeper Foster studied videos of Spurs players taking spot-kicks including Jamie O'Hara, who then missed as Sir Alex Ferguson's side secured a 4-1 penalty win after 120 goalless minutes.

Tottenham's last penalty shoot-out came in March 2008 against PSV Eindhoven, when O'Hara scored as they went out of the UEFA Cup with a 6-5 defeat.

He chose to aim down the same side yesterday only for Foster to save his shot, but the FA insist using the technology is legal despite doubts being raised today. An FA spokesman said: "What happened was not against the rules so we will not be investigating further."

There are no restrictions on additional information being passed to players, although TV monitors have been removed from dugouts and video technology remains unavailable to a match referee.

But there is nothing within the laws of the game that prohibits players receiving advice in terms of tactics and research during half time, full time or the breaks in extra time.

Foster said: “Just before the shoot-out I was looking at an iPod with goalkeeping coach Eric Steele and it contained images of Tottenham's players taking penalties.

“They told me for Jamie O'Hara that I should stand up and be strong and he would probably go the way he did.”

FIFA are unlikely to contradict the FA's stance, paving the way for clubs to follow the example.
It is the first time video technology has given a keeper information while on the pitch.

Germany's Jens Lehmann kept notes in his sock on Argentina's penalty takers during the 2006 World Cup.