Uefa have backed the Swedish officials who allowed Holland's opening goal against Italy to stand and insist it was the correct interpretation of Fifa laws.

Ruud van Nistelrooy tapped home the first goal in Bern last night when Christian Panucci was deemed in play despite being off the field after colliding with Gianluigi Buffon, the Italy goalkeeper. The strike was awarded despite the protests aimed at referee Peter Frojdfeldt, with Holland going on to win 3-0.

"If we did not have this interpretation then what could happen is the defending team could step off the pitch to play offside and that is clearly unacceptable," David Taylor, the Uefa general secretary. "We have to have the laws as simple as possible for the referee to interpret and for tactical use of the laws if you introduce other interpretations. As a defender you are in play unless you have permission to be off the field."

With Panucci injured, the goal raises an issue about the spirit the game is played in, but Taylor added that Uefa referees were simply applying rules. "We are not part of the International Board but if they look at these matters it's entirely up to them," he said. "We apply the law as it is now.

"That is a matter for the International Board to decide if they need to do anything like that. The situation here is clear - the referee fraternity are clear this is the proper interpretation."