Ilie Nastase has had bans reduced by a tribunal but saw a fine doubled ©Getty Images

Ilie Nastase's bans from tennis have been cut by eight months but his $10,000 (£7,000/€8,000) fine has been doubled following his appeal to an Independent Tribunal.

The 71-year-old Romanian was handed two separate bans by the International Tennis Federation after a series of controversial incidents in a Fed Cup tie last year.

Nastase, who was Romania's captain for the clash against Britain last April, was found to have made comments described as "racist" about the then unborn baby of multiple Grand Slam title winner Serena Williams.

As well as his comments concerning the American star, Nastase was found to have made advances of a "sexual nature" towards opposing British captain Anne Keothavong at a pre-match press conference.

Controversies continued during the match, which included a series of outbursts at Keothavong, Britain's Johanna Konta and match umpire Jaume Campistol at the Tennis Club IDU in Constanta.

Post-match, Nastase shouted at journalist Eleanor Crooks for publishing his remarks about Williams' baby.

The Tribunal has found Nastase guilty on six breaches of the ITF's Welfare Policy under the 2017 Fed Cup regulations.

Their verdict today states that Nastase will have "a suspension from acting in an official capacity - including, but not limited to, team captain - in all official ITF team and individual competitions and circuits for three years from April 23, 2017 to April 23, 2020".

Ilie Nastase caused controversy during Romania's Fed Cup match against Britain last year ©Getty Images
Ilie Nastase caused controversy during Romania's Fed Cup match against Britain last year ©Getty Images

He was also sanctioned by a "denial of access to, and accreditation for, the competitions and circuits described above for one year from April 23, 2017 until April 23, 2018."

Initially, Nastase was suspended from acting in an official capacity until December 31, 2020, and denied access to competitions and circuits until December 31 of this year.

His fine will now be £20,000 ($14,000/€16,000).

Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Women's Tennis Association and Grand Slam tournaments are not included within the sanction as they lie outside the jurisdiction of the ITF.

Following the incidents, Nastase was banned from attending the French Open at Roland Garros.

He was also not invited into Centre Court's Royal Box at Wimbledon.

During his playing career, the Romanian won the 1972 US Open and 1973 French Open men's singles titles.

On top of these Grand slam successes, Nastase also secured four victories in the Masters Grand Prix, a former name for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals.

He also reached number one in the world rankings.