Rio de Janeiro, April 3 IANS | 3 years ago

Brazilian top-flight outfit Sao Paulo has lost an appeal against striker Luis Fabiano's four-match Copa Libertadores ban.

South American football's governing body Conmebol informed the club Tuesday that Fabiano's suspension and USD 5,000 fine for abusive language has been upheld, reports Xinhua.

The former Sevilla and Brazil international striker was shown a straight red card for his verbal confrontation with referee Wilmer Roldan after the final whistle of Sao Paulo's 1-1 draw with Arsenal de Sarandi March 7.

"Conmebol evaluated all of the evidence we sent but maintained the minimum sentence for the charge which is a four match suspension," Sao Paulo said in a statement.

Fabiano, 32, will miss Sao Paulo's fixtures against The Strongest and Atletico Mineiro in addition to the first knockout phase match, should the side progress beyond the group stage.

The Copa Libertadores, which comprises the top sides from South America and Mexico, is the continent's leading club competition.

(Posted on 03-04-2013)