A South African magistrate freed a British tabloid journalist who had been accused of trying to undermine World Cup security after he pleaded guilty Saturday to violating the country's immigration act and was fined.
The prosecutor dropped two charges after Simon Wright of the Sunday Mirror paid a 750 rand ($100) fine, police said in a statement.
''As Wright's fingerprints were taken and he admitted guilt to an offense, he now has a criminal record in South Africa,'' the statement read.
Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa issued a statement criticizing Wright's actions.
Wright's admission of guilt ''is indicative that some journalists will do anything to get a story, even commit a criminal act,'' Mthethwa said. ''We are a sovereign country with laws that must be upheld by all citizens, as well as all visitors.''
Authorities initially alleged that Wright was involved in an ''orchestrated'' attempt to undermine World Cup security after a man found his way into England's changing room at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on June 18 after the 0-0 draw with Algeria.
They said Wright interviewed the man, Pavlos Joseph, as the police were looking for him.
After the incident, Joseph gave an exclusive interview to the Sunday Mirror, claiming he was directed to the changing room after asking a security guard where he could find a toilet.
Joseph was arrested on June 28 and paid a $100 admission of guilt fine in exchange for a Cape Town magistrate dropping the charges against him.
South African national police commissioner Bheki Cele said at the time that Wright had admitted to harboring and interviewing Joseph while police were searching for him.
Wright had allegedly booked hotel accommodation for Joseph using false details, Cele said, adding that Wright also had a contract with Joseph for exclusive interviews for seven days ''after he made news.''
