Switzerland striker Alexander Frei has been provisionally suspended by UEFA for 15 days pending an appeal after television footage showed him spitting at an England player during a Euro 2004 match.

Frei was earlier pulled out of the Swiss team just hours before Monday's Euro 2004 game against France.

"The UEFA Appeals Body has suspended the Swiss player Alexander Frei provisionally for all competitive UEFA matches in national team competitions," UEFA said in a statement on Monday.

"This provisional suspension is for a total of 15 days and takes effect today, June 21 2004, before the France-Switzerland match."

UEFA said Frei's appeal would be heard this week if Switzerland reach the quarter-finals.

"Should Switzerland qualify tonight then the Appeals Body hearing would take place in Portugal this week," the statement added.

"Should Switzerland fail to qualify the hearing would take place back in Nyon, Switzerland in July after the end of Euro 2004."

The Swiss federation had bowed to the wishes of European soccer's ruling body and distanced itself from the 24-year-old Frei who now faces a lengthy ban.

"The SFV (Swiss Football Association) has decided that on the basis of the new TV pictures it will not resist a suspension. In the remaining proceedings, Alex Frei will be represented by a lawyer," the association said in a statement.

On Sunday, UEFA cleared Frei of a spitting charge because of lack of evidence. The player had strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Just hours later footage on SF DRS television in Switzerland showed Frei brushing past Steven Gerrard late in Thursday's game and spitting at the back of the England midfielder's neck.

UEFA APPEAL

UEFA lodged an appeal on Monday against the decision by its disciplinary body to clear the Stade Rennes player.

"After new video evidence came to light, UEFA said this morning that in accordance with provisions in its regulations, it has lodged an appeal against the decision of the control and disciplinary body," an earlier statement said.

The Swiss team will hold a news conference at 1600 GMT, less than three hours before their Group B match against champions France. Switzerland must win to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

Italy forward Francesco Totti was banned for three matches last week for spitting at a Denmark player during a Group C match.

Switzerland are yet to score a goal in two matches at the European Championship and Frei's absence will be a huge blow. They will probably pair veteran Stephane Chapuisat with either Daniel Gygax or teenager Johann Vonlanthen up front.

The new footage was discovered by a technician who reviewed the contents of the hard drive of a fixed camera behind a goal at the England vs Switzerland game, won 3-0 by England.