Portugal coach Santos fights ban for verbal abuse

Fernando Santos. (Martin Meissner/AP)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Portugal coach Fernando Santos has given evidence at sport’s highest court to try to overturn his eight-match FIFA ban for misconduct at the World Cup.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport says the former Greece coach attended the hearing and a verdict is expected next month.

FIFA sanctioned Santos for verbally abusing match officials during Greece’s second-round loss to Costa Rica last June.

Santos was sent from the dugout after extra time, which finished 1-1. Greece then lost the penalty shootout.

The Portuguese Football Federation hired Santos in September knowing he would appeal being banned from the touchline for eight competitive matches.

CAS agreed to freeze the sanction until its panel gives a verdict, allowing Santos to work at European Championship qualifying matches.

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