Manchester United forwards Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo last night escaped disciplinary action from Uefa, Europe's governing body, and the Football Association for alleged violent conduct.

Wayne Rooney was accused of stamping on Aalborg's Kasper Risgard in the clubs' 2–2 Champions League draw last Wednesday but Uefa said it would not to charge the player after studying video evidence of the incident. The Aalborg midfielder said Rooney should have been sent off after "jumping" on his chest and leaving marks on his body. The 23-year-old could have faced a suspension for part of the knockout stages had Uefa decided to take action. "We will not open any disciplinary proceedings against Wayne Rooney," said a spokesman for Uefa.

Ronaldo was seen to aim a little flick at Tottenham's Michael Dawson after being tackled in Saturday's goalless draw at White Hart Lane. The referee Mike Dean, who did not take action during the game, has looked at the incident but has not deemed it serious. "We contacted the referee, who confirmed he didn't see the incident at the time," said an FA spokesman. "Having reviewed footage, he has also confirmed he would not have sent the player off for violent conduct had he seen it. On that basis, no further action will be taken."

Meanwhile, David Gill, the Manchester United chief executive, believes the Club World Cup will grow into a major event in football's global calendar.

Although United received an enthusiastic welcome in Tokyo yesterday, there is little appetite worldwide for the seven-team tournament and the Premier League has not made life easy for the club, who have to be back for a visit to Stoke City on Boxing Day. But Gill feels the competition will increase its profile in time, in much the same way as the European Cup emerged to become the most important club competition on the fixture list.

"Who is to say what this tournament will look like in 40 years? Over time, I am sure it will be recognised as a competition of major significance. When the European Cup was set up no one thought much about it — as evidenced by the FA, who would not let Chelsea go into it. Football is improving throughout the world — particularly in Asia."