Barthez ban extended

Fabien Barthez has had his suspension lengthened by the FFF.

Fabien Barthez has had his suspension lengthened by the French Football Federation.

The Marseille keeper was accused of spitting at a referee during a friendly in Morocco and was initially banned for six months, with three months suspended, but there was outcry in some quarters that the punishment was too lenient.

Although l'OM pointed to Barthez's previous good record, he has now been banned until December 31, 2005.

However, the duration of the ban could be reduced again if the ex-Manchester United man agrees to a series of community work based around amateur football in France.

Even if he does the community service, the October 15 date of a return would still rule Barthez out of the remaining fixtures in France's World Cup qualifying campaign.

France's final qualifier is on October 12 when they face Cyprus, and they are struggling to ensure their place in Germany 2006 despite topping Group 4 as Republic of Ireland and Switzerland both have a game in hand on Les Bleus.