"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee today served a two-match suspension on German international Torsten Frings," FIFA said in a statement.

"Given the fact that he had previously been provoked by his opponents, the second match suspension is subject to a six-month probationary period."

FIFA began investigating Frings' role in the melee that followed Germany's victory over Argentina when an Italian television said they have evidence that the German midfielder punched Argentina's Julio Cruz.

The fracas erupted after Germany keeper Jens Lehmann saved the last penalty shot to give Germany a 4-2 victory in a nervous shootout and send the hosts into the semis.

Frings was also handed a CHF 5,000 fine and the Werder Bremen man wasn't given the right to appeal the decision.

"Depending on the result of the semi-final between Germany and Italy on 4 July 2006, Frings may therefore play in the final or in the play-off for third place," the statement added.

"The Disciplinary Committee also imposed a fine of CHF 5,000 on Frings. The committee's decision is final."

Tim Borowski is likely to replace Frings in the starting line-up against Italy on Tuesday.