TOKYO - JAPAN midfielder Makoto Hasebe was given a two-match ban by FIFA after being sent off in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan, the Japan Football Association said on Wednesday.

Hasebe was given a straight red card by Syrian referee Mohsen Basma in the 89th minute of Saturday's 1-0 win over Uzbekistan for elbowing Uzbek winger Server Djeparov.

The contentious decision also saw Japan coach Takeshi Okada sent from the touchline to the stands. Japan had said it was considering a protest to FIFA about Basma's performance.

Hasebe, who plays for German champions Wolfsburg, will miss Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Yokohama and the final Group A match on June 17 against Australia in Melbourne.

The matches are of little consequence, given the win over Uzbekistan had already secured Japan's fourth straight World Cup finals appearance. -- AP