Frings suspended for semi-final

Germany midfielder Torsten Frings has been suspended for the World Cup semi-final against Italy in Dortmund today, a FIFA spokesman said.

FIFA launched an investigation after television executives from Italy said they had found evidence that Frings threw a punch at Argentina forward Julio Ricardo Cruz in the fracas that followed Germany's quarter-final shoot-out win on Friday.

The spokesman said the 29-year-old would be suspended initially for only one game, making him eligible for the World Cup final on Sunday if Germany defeat Italy in his absence.

Frings will also be on probation for the next six months and will face at least another one-match ban if he re-offends during that period, the spokesman said. He was also fined $4,085.

'Disappointed'

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff was informed of the suspension soon after the side arrived in Dortmund to prepare for today's match, the German FA said.

"The team is very disappointed about the decision. We found out about it on the plane on the way here to Dortmund," Bierhoff said.

"We haven't seen the written reasons but will accept the FIFA decision. Frings will get a special training programme to be completely fit for the final."

Frings has started every game of Germany's World Cup campaign so far and would have been certain to be in the line-up against Italy in Dortmund. Klinsmann could call on Tim Borowski or Sebastian Kehl to replace him.

Frings had protested his innocence, saying he simply put out his hands to protect himself during the fracas.