SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) -- FIFA has ordered Costa Rica to play its home World Cup qualifier March 26 against Panama without spectators because fans threw objects at opposing players during a match last month with Mexico.
The national federation, Fedefut, said Tuesday that soccer's international governing body also ordered the national team to pay a fine of $17,000. Fedefut said it would appeal.
The sanctions came as part of a FIFA ruling March 4, in Sweden, according to the federation.
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The punishment was handed down after officials at Mexico's match against Costa Rica on Feb. 9 said fans at San Jose's Saprissa Stadium threw dangerous objects with intent to injury opposing players.
``FIFA considers what occurred grave and for that reason there has been an economic penalty and the next game will be played behind closed doors,'' Fedefut said in a statement.
The federation said it would appeal because it considered the sanctions ``disproportionate given the facts.''
``The federation always ensured the safety of the Mexicans,'' Fedefut said. ``No one suffered physical aggression and it was a small group of fans who threw, at the end of the game, some objects on the field.''
Because of the FIFA ruling, officials have suspended -- at least temporarily -- ticket sales for the match against Panama, which also will be played at Saprissa.
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