The Manchester United midfielder appeared to elbow Russian full-back Vadim Evseev during the Euro 2004 play-off match in Moscow on November 15.

Even though Russia withdrew their initial citing after failing to have Giggs banned for the second leg, an UEFA disciplinary committee handed out the ban in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday.

Giggs had only been charged with improper conduct, which normally carries just a fine, rather than the more serious charge of violent conduct.

UEFA said in a statement: "Wales' Ryan Giggs was suspended for two matches for elbowing a Russian opponent during the Euro 2004 play-off match that took place in Moscow on November 15."

The Football Association of Wales have always insisted Giggs was heavily provoked beforehand and that he made minimal contact with the Russian, whose goal in the second leg in Cardiff settled the tie.

Earlier this week Giggs was fined 7,500 pounds by the Football Association for his part in the fracas after the Premiership game against Arsenal at Old Trafford on September 21.

Giggs and United are still considering whether to appeal against that punishment, with Wales having three days to consider launching an appeal for the two-match ban.