Josip Simunic hit with 10-match ban

FIFA have given Croatia defender Josip Simunic a 10-match suspension for "discriminatory behaviour".

The 35-year-old, who has also been given a stadium ban for the same length of time and a £20,700 fine, is now ineligible to play at next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Simunic was found guilty of engaging Croatian fans in a fascist salute that was used during World War II following the team's successful World Cup playoff tie against Iceland in Zagreb on November 19.

"After taking into account all of the circumstances of the case, and particularly given the gravity of the incident, the committee decided to suspend the player for 10 official matches," read an official FIFA statement.

"The first matches of the ten-match suspension have to be served during the final competition of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil."

Australia-born Simunic has won 105 caps for Croatia since making his debut in 2001.