USA goalkeeper Hope Solo has been banned for six months

United States goalkeeper Hope Solo has been handed a six-month suspension by US Soccer for labelling the Swedish national team "a bunch of cowards" at the Olympic Games earlier this month.

Goalkeeper Solo's provocative comments came after Sweden defeated the United States 5-4 on penalties in the quarter-final of the women's football tournament in Rio.

The 35-year-old, who has attracted controversy throughout her career, was widely condemned for her comments and US Soccer president Sunil Gulati has since described her behaviour as "unacceptable".

The suspension - which applies to the USA international team - almost certainly spells the end of Solo's international career, which has included one World Cup triumph and two Olympic gold medals.

Solo responded to the suspension in typically defiant fashion on social media on Thursday.

Solo (centre) could find her international career is over

In a statement, she said: "For 17 years I dedicated my life to the US Women's National Team and did the job of a pro athlete the only way I knew how - with passion, tenacity and an unrelenting commitment to be the best goalkeeper in the world, not just for my country but to elevate the sport for the next generation of female athletes.

"In those commitments, I have never wavered and have so much more to give. I am saddened by the Federation's decision to terminate my contract.

"I could not be the player I am without being the person I am, even when I haven't made the best choices or said the right things.

"My entire career I've only wanted the best for this team, for the players and for the women's game and I will continue to pursue these causes with the same unrelenting passion with which I play the game."