Nyon (Switzerland), Jul 20: UEFA has fined Italy forward Antonio Cassano for his comments about gay players at the European Championship.
UEFA says Cassano was fined ¤15,000 ($18,250) for making "a discriminatory press statement" at an official media event in Poland last month.
Cassano told reporters during a press conference he hoped there were no homosexual players on the Italian national squad, and then used a derogatory word to describe gays.
When an Italian reporter suggested there were gay players on the team, Cassano appeared at a loss for words before responding.
"That's their problem, but I hope not," he said.
Cassano can appeal the decision that was announced Friday.