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FIFA extend David Navarro's ban to all forms of soccer

Valencia defender David Navarro has been banned from soccer for seven months after FIFA agreed to UEFA's recommendation to extend his punishment to all international as well as domestic matches.

Valencia said in a statement on its Web site that FIFA had notified them of the decision on Tuesday.

Navarro was handed the UEFA ban after running on to the pitch and punching Inter Milan midfielder Nicolas Burdisso during a mass brawl after his side clinched a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 0-0 draw at the Mestalla.

The brawl began as the match was drawing to a close. Inter midfielder Nicolas Burdisso attacked Valencia defender Carlos Marchena as the final whistle blew, sparking the melee.

Navarro's Valencia team mate Carlos Marchena, who appeared to kick out at Burdisso as the two argued, was suspended for four matches.

Burdisso and Inter teammate Maicon were banned for six matches, defender Ivan Cordoba for three and striker Julio Cruz for two, while Valencia and Inter were fined 155,772 euros (US$206,800).

All six players involved in the incidents have been summoned to appear before a UEFA Appeals Body hearing on March 28.

Valencia said they would appeal against the decision.

"Valencia will continue with its appeal to UEFA in the hope that its arguments over the sanctions to David Navarro and Carlos Marchena will be heard," said the Spanish club. "The club would like to reiterate its determination to defend the rights of its players and to do all it can so that the sanctions are in strict accordance with existing rules."

Navarro said after the incident that he was ashamed by his behavior.

"I very much regret what I did," he said. "I'm upset because I've never done anything like this in my life before nor will I again. I will accept whatever punishment they give me."

Sevilla oust Betis

Sevilla eliminated crosstown rival Real Betis from the Copa del Rey on Tuesday after completing a quarter-final second leg which was abandoned last month, with Sevilla leading 1-0, because of crowd trouble.

No goals were scored during the 33 minutes played behind closed doors at Getafe's stadium, allowing Sevilla to win the match 1-0 and reach the semifinals by the same aggregate score.

Play restarted in the 57th minute, the time when Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was knocked unconscious by a bottle thrown from the crowd at Betis' Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium on Feb. 28.

Sevilla joined FC Barcelona, Deportivo La Coruna and Getafe in Thursday's draw for the two-leg semifinals. The games are scheduled for April 18 and May 9.
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