  We calculated the decay widths of the $1^3F_2$ and $1^3F_4$ $s\bar{s}$ mesons
and compared them to the measured properties of the $\xi(2220)$ (now known as
the $f_4(2220)$). Including previously neglected decay modes we found that the
width of the $^3F_2$ state $s\bar{s}$ meson is much larger than previously
believed making this explanation unlikely. On the other hand the predicted
width of the $^3F_4$ state, although broader than the observed width, is
consistent within the uncertainties of the model. This interpretation predicts
large partial widths to $K K^*(892)$ and $K^*(892) K^*(892)$ final states which
should be looked for. A second possibility that would account for the different
properties of the $\xi(2220)$ seen in different experiments is that two
hadronic states exist at this mass. The first would be a broader $^3F_4$
$s\bar{s}$ state which is seen in hadron beam experiments while the second
would be a narrow state with high glue content seen in the gluon rich $J/\psi$
radiative decay. Further experimental results are needed to sort this out.

High Energy Physics - Phenomenology