Football's world governing body has suspended Germany midfielder Torsten Frings from his team's World Cup semifinals against Italy in Dortmund.
A FIFA disciplinary committee announced the punishment Monday, after it found him guilty of punching Argentina forward Julio Cruz in a post-match confrontation in the quarterfinals.
The 29-year-old Frings was banned for two matches, with the second ban being suspended for six months. He was also fined slightly more than $4,075.
Depending on the results of Tuesday's match against Italy, Frings will be allowed to compete in either the World Cup final or the third-place playoff match. But if he is guilty of further misconduct in the next six months, he will have to serve the balance of punishment.