NYON, Switzerland (AP):

UEFA'S APPEALS body upheld a one-match ban imposed on France coach Raymond Domenech for accusing Italy of fixing an Olympic qualifying match in 1999.

UEFA said yesterday the coach brought the game into disrepute by making the comments in an interview with French daily Le Parisien last month. However, UEFA said Domenech will not have to pay a €6,000 (US$8,200) fine.

The touchline ban covers Saturday's European Championship qualifying match against Italy. The match - a repeat of last year's World Cup final - takes place in Milan.

"I said what I thought I had to say," Domenech said. "Now what counts for me is the Italy match. Forme, it's over. I will be in the stands for the match.

"I have the feeling I was listened to. They even removed the fine."

France winger Franck Ribery said the team would adjust without Domenech on the bench.

Very important

"The coach is very important," Ribery said at France's training camp in Clairefontaine. "To see him in the dressing room, to know that he is there with us. We will just have to deal with it."

In an interview published on August 9 in Le Parisien, Domenech was quoted as saying there had been a "bought referee" for a match between France's youth squad - which he coached - and Italy during a qualifier for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Domenech was referring to a November 17, 1999, match in Taranto, Italy, which the Italians won 2-1 in extra time to qualify for the Sydney Games.

"I've rarely been so ripped off," Domenech was quoted as saying. "When you get fooled once, there's always a doubt (afterward). There are arrangements in Italian soccer."