Soccer-World-Germany's Frings suspended for semi-final

BERLIN, July 3 (Reuters) Germany midfielder Torsten Frings has been suspended for the World Cup semi-final against Italy in Dortmund tomorrow, a FIFA spokesman said.

FIFA launched an investigation after television executives from Italy said they had found evidence that Frings threw a punch at Argentina forward Julio Ricardo Cruz in the fracas that followed Germany's quarter-final shootout win on Friday.

The spokesman said Frings would be suspended initially for only one game, making him eligible for the World Cup final on Sunday if Germany defeat Italy in his absence.

Frings would also be on probation for the next six months and would face at least another one-match ban if he re-offended during that period, the spokesman said.

FIFA initially said it was taking no action against any Germany player but later re-opened the case, citing new evidence.

Frings has started every game of Germany's World Cup campaign so far and would have been a certain starter against Italy in Dortmund.

Klinsmann could call on Tim Borowski or Sebastian Kehl to replace him.

Reuters RL VV2223