Zurich, Switzerland – Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was suspended two matches by FIFA on Tuesday for making an obscene gesture at the referee after a World Cup qualifier in October.
Hitzfeld briefly raised his middle finger toward the referee after a qualifier against Norway, and FIFA decided the coach was guilty of breaking rules about "offensive behavior and fair play."
In addition to the suspension, Hitzfeld was also fined around $7,500.
Switzerland sits atop Group E in UEFA World Cup qualifying with 10 points, and will be without its coach for matches against Cyprus on March 23 and June 8.