FIFA bans Messi for four matches

Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi has been heavily punished by world football governing body FIFA for misconduct during a recent Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying match.

In the tie which was against Chile, the Barcelona superstar scored the only goal, a penalty, in the 1-0 win victory, before talking himself into trouble.

Messi hated the decisions made by the assistant referee during the match. He was called for two fouls that he didn’t even feel were
close, and was caught on camera yelling various insults at the assistant referee and not shaking his hand after the match.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee – in application of articles 77 a) and 108 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) – has reached a decision in relation to the case of Lionel Messi following an incident that occurred during the match between Argentina and Chile on 23 Mar h 2017 as part of the qualifying competition for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia,”FIFA announced on their official website on Tuesday.

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“Lionel Messi has been found guilty of violating art. 57 of the FDC for having directed insulting words at an assistant referee. “As a result, Messi will be suspended for four official matches and sanctioned with a fine of CHF 10,000. The first match for which the sanction will apply is the next fixture in the preliminary competition of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ between Bolivia and Argentina, which will be played today, 28 March. The remainder of the sanction will be served over Argentina’s subsequent FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

“This decision is in line with the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s previous rulings in similar cases.

“Both the player and the Argentinian Football Association have been informed of the decision today.”

 

 

 

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