European football's governing body on Friday said it had fined Italy forward Antonio Cassano for homophobic comments he made during a news conference at Euro 2012.
UEFA said in a statement on its website that it had fined the striker 15,000 euros ($18,400, £11,700) fine for a "discriminatory press statement" during the tournament, without referring to the words he used.
Cassano caused outrage among gay rights campaigners after a news conference on June 12 during which he used a derogatory word to describe homosexuals and said that he hoped there were no gay players in the Italian national team.
Homosexuality in sport and particularly football is a sensitive issue.
There are no high-profile openly gay footballers in the major European leagues and many gay rights groups have called for someone to take a stand and become the first.
UEFA said AC Milan forward Cassano can appeal against the fine within three days of receiving a formal written confirmation of the sanction.
Source: AFP
