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.
“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.
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