Argentina lock Mariano Galarza has been suspended for nine weeks after being cited for foul play during the Pumas' opening-round defeat at the Rugby World Cup.

Galarza was found guilty for making "contact with the eye or eye area" of Brodie Retallick during the Pool C match with New Zealand at Wembley – a game the Pumas lost 26-16.

Although the forward denied the charge, the International Rugby Board upheld the citing on the basis that the player had committed the act of foul play.

The suspension takes effect immediately and includes Argentina's remaining matches at the World Cup and thereafter converts to time with his club Gloucester, running up to and including November 25.

Galarza – who has 48 hours to appeal the decision – could have been punished even further but the Judicial Officer reduced the original recommendation of 12 weeks due to the 28-year-old's excellent disciplinary record.