UEFA bans Ibrahimovic for two games

NYON, Switzerland (AP)

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UEFA has banned Zlatan Ibrahimovic for two Champions League matches, ruling the influential forward out of the quarterfinals, first leg if Paris Saint-Germain advances.

UEFA says its disciplinary panel extended an automatic one-match sanction for Ibrahimovic's challenge on Valencia midfielder Andres Guardado in stoppage-time of a last-16, first-leg match this month.

Ibrahimovic was shown a straight red card in stoppage-time in Spain, and was already certain to miss the return in Paris on March 6. PSG holds a 2-1 lead.

UEFA's additional punishment applies to the next European club competition for which Ibrahimovic is eligible.

UEFA makes the quarterfinals draw on March 15.

Ibrahimovic and PSG can appeal to UEFA.