Mazzarri loses touchline ban appeal

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has lost his appeal to UEFA challenging a two-match touchline ban, and is barred from the Champions League round-of-16 matches against Chelsea.

UEFA increased Mazzarri's punishment for ''improper conduct,'' after he pushed Villarreal forward Nilmar to protest time-wasting tactics during a group match in December.

UEFA says its appeals panel added a third match to the sanction. The additional ban was deferred for a two-year probationary period.

Napoli hosts Chelsea next Tuesday and the return match in London is scheduled for March 14.

Mazzarri can watch from the grandstands but cannot communicate with his players and coaches in the stadium.