FIFA bans four Uruguay players over World Cup chaos

(Reuters) – Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera and Jose Maria Gimenez were both banned by FIFA for four games on Friday, while Diego Godin and Edinson Cavani were each banned for one game after confronting the referee after their World Cup match against Ghana.

FIFA launched proceedings against the players, who angrily denounced the referee after they were eliminated from the tournament in Qatar despite defeating Ghana 2-0 in their last group match on December 2.

In the Group H playoffs, Uruguay had one foot in the round of 16 before South Korea scored an added-time goal to defeat Portugal 2-1, one goal more than the South Americans progressed in three games.

German referee Daniel Siebert waived penalties for tackles on Darwin Nunez in the first half and Cavani in the final minutes. Striker Luis Suarez said after the game FIFA was “against Uruguay”.

Players are also required to perform football-related community service and pay fines of up to 20,000 Swiss francs ($21,701).

The Uruguayan FA has also been fined 50,000 Swiss francs for the behavior of its supporters and team members, FIFA said.

Uruguay have also been ordered to partially close their stadium for their next FIFA senior international match as hosts.

($1 = 0.9216 Swiss Francs)

(Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Washington DC; Editing by Toby Davis)