Joao Pinto suspended
by FIFA till Oct. 17

Portugal striker Joao Pinto was suspended from all match activity for four months by FIFA's disciplinary committee over his World Cup sending off, Portuguese news agency Lusa reported on Friday.

Pinto was provisionally suspended after his dismissal in Portugal's 1-0 first round defeat to co-hosts South Korea on June 14, for punching Argentina referee Angel Sanchez in the stomach.

FIFA suspended him for six months, but two months are in the form of a "suspended sentence" which will only be applied should he be involved in other disciplinary incidents within a year.

The Sporting player will be entitled to play again on October 17.

Pinto is currently suspended from playing for his Portuguese premier league club Sporting Lisbon as well as for his country.

The punch was not clearly visible on broadcast television pictures of the Portugal players' protests. But a FIFA video camera placed near the corner flag with a clear line of sight to the referee has recorded the incident.

Pinto was one of two Portuguese players sent off in an intense atmosphere in Inchon, where the Korean team were roared on by a hugely partisan crowd.