PSG star Neymar in danger of being banned for UCL final after breaching UEFA protocol

August 19, 2020 By Ali M.

Topics: Neymar, PSG, RB Leipzig, Champions League Final, UEFA Champions League

The Brazilian could be disciplined by UEFA for what he did after the final whistle in the 3-0 win over RB Leipzig.

After years and years of failure, PSG finally reached the Champions League final and are now just one game away from achieving a long-awaited European success. The club secured their spot in the ultimate game after beating RB Leipzig in the semis, with Neymar inspiring the club to a 3-0 victory.

Unfortunately, the Brazilian sensation is in danger of being banned for the final after breaching UEFA protocol in Tuesday’s showdown. After the final whistle, the world’s most expensive player was caught on camera swapping shirts with the opposition, which is against UEFA’s coronavirus protocol.

The “Return to play protocol”, the 31-page list of regulations released by European football’s governing body earlier this month, states that “players are recommended to refrain from swapping their shirts”. The reason for this is obvious: UEFA wishes to protect footballers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Failing to comply with this rule, something Neymar is guilty of, "may lead to disciplinary measures in accordance with the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations." Reports prior to the return of the Champions League stated that a player who broke this rule would be subjected to 12 days of isolation; however, the UEFA protocol does not exactly confirm that with their ruling on shirt swapping.

Will European football’s governing body bring the hammer down on Neymar for an act which many might consider minor? Time will tell, but with only four days remaining from the final, time is something that won’t be on the Brazilian’s side should he be disciplined.

The 28-year-old was brilliant in the 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig, hitting the post twice and pulling off an exquisite back-heel assist for Di Maria’s goal. In the final, PSG will face either Bayern Munich or Lyon, with the Germans set to lock horns with the French outfit on Wednesday.