Recoba ban cut to four months

Alvaro Recoba will be eligible to return to Internazionale FC's first team in November after his one-year suspension from football was cut to four months on Friday following an appeal by the club.

Ban reduced
The Italian Olympic Commission (CONI) more than halved the Uruguayan international's suspension and also reduced the Milan outfit's fine of €1m to €725,000.

False passport
Recoba, banned on 27 June as punishment for having played with a false Italian passport, has instead been ordered by the league to do community service. He will play a leading role in Italian football's campaigns against racism and violence.

'Loyalty against violence'
"I now return very happy," said Recoba. "To be able to give something back to football, my loyalty against violence in football, makes me happy because I have participated in this before and now I will be involved even more."

Lecce date
Provided he is fit, the 25-year-old's first Serie A appearance should come against US Lecce in Milan on 4 November and his return will boost a frontline already rated as possibly the finest in Europe.

Duo return
The club had only recently been boosted by the return of Brazilian striker Ronaldo from a knee injury and coach Hector Cuper is also set to have Christian Vieri back from injury next week.

Ronaldo 'happy'
"I am very happy for Recoba and for football in general," said Ronaldo. "Also for Inter, who have got back a very important player. It will be great to play besides Recoba."