Lionel Messi Writes FIFA to Dismiss His 4-Match Ban

Following the four-match international ban handed to him by the world football governing body, Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi has written to FIFA to request that the ban be overturned. The Barcelona legend was punished for swearing at a match official during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Chile last week Thursday, and was fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,160) by FIFA’s disciplinary panel, which considers Messi to have breached article 57 of FIFA’s disciplinary code by displaying “offensive behaviour” towards the assistant.

But Messi, in his letter, claimed his words had not been aimed at the official and that he yelled “at the air.” “I vehemently deny having offended assistant referee 1 during the game against Chile, and more so do not believe that my conduct falls under article 57 of FIFA’s disciplinary code,” he wrote.

Read Also: Bolivia Wins Argentina Hours after Lionel Messi was Banned!

“Assistant referee 1, of Brazilian nationality, perfectly understood what I was saying, so much so that we spoke amicably and at no time did my words offend or insult the official. “If any of my words made assistant referee 1 uncomfortable, they were never directed at him but rather to the air and for that, I apologise.” Messi concluded with, “I hereby expressly request for the disciplinary case to be dismissed without any sanction against me.” Newly elected president of the Argentina Football Association on Wednesday, Claudio Tapia also told a news conference the federation was working on the appeal.

“We have the best team of lawyers on this issue, trying to reduce Messi’s suspension.” Messi’s ban, if not reviewed, will make him miss three of the remaining four World Cup qualifying matches with his home country Argentina. The 29-year old already missed the tie against Bolivia, which Argentina lost 2-0; and will also miss the crucial ties against Uruguay, Peru and Venezuela as Argentina struggle to claim a spot at the World Cup finals in Russia next year.