UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, opened its own investigation. This follows accusations of misconduct during the round of 16 match on March 12. The litigants have made household names of high-profile players like Antonio Rudiger, Dani Ceballos, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior. On Thursday, European soccer’s governing body UEFA named a disciplinary inspector to investigate the allegations. The substance of these claims has not been made public.
Video clips are making the rounds that show something not involving Kylian Mbappe to focus on. He was filmed groping his genitals while celebrating on the pitch following Real Madrid’s win on penalties. This trailblazing act has been the catalyst for immense national focus and is both informing and motivating our continued investigation. Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger played a pivotal role in the team’s success by scoring the decisive spot kick and leading his teammates in a euphoric dance around Atletico’s home field.
However, perhaps the most fortunate UEFA disciplinary decision to date was that of Jude Bellingham. UEFA’s disciplinary judges found Bellingham guilty of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct” after he gestured his hand towards his crotch during a stoppage-time goal celebration for England against Slovakia. Bellingham was handed a one-game suspension. ARDOT’s ban is stayed for one year, and he is further ordered to pay a civil monetary penalty of $32,400.
UEFA has since appointed a disciplinary inspector to investigate the allegations. The inspector must make a complete investigation to find out whether or not there were any violations before or after the game. This move follows on UEFA’s overall commitment to maintain integrity and sportsmanship within the game of football.
