Portugal coach Fernando Santos on Monday had his ban for misconduct while in charge of Greece cut in half by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

But he will still not be able to lead his Portuguese side into the Euro 2016 qualifier against Serbia next Sunday as he will have to sit out the next two matches at least.

However, the 60-year old coach also saw his fine also slashed in half from 20.000 Swiss francs (19,000 euros, $10,500) to 10.000.

Santos was sent off at last year's World Cup in Brazil, apparently for a remark he made to the referee shortly before the penalty shoot-out in their second round match with Costa Rica, which had finished 1-1 and which saw the Central Americans go through 5-3 on penalities.

He was then banned for eight matches but was subsequently appointed to coach his native Portugal last September.

On Monday, his appeal to the CAS saw the ban reduced to four matches, with two suspended for six months, but he was told it would start with the Serbia game.

He will also be barred from the stadium and having any contact with his players for the following match in Armenia on June 13.

Portugal are currently second in Group I with six points, one behind leaders Denmark but with a game in hand, while Serbia have just one point from three matches.