July 8 – UEFA’s Appeals Body has issued key disciplinary decisions affecting both Real Madrid and Slavia Praha, following incidents of racist behaviour and breaches of conduct during this season’s UEFA competitions.
Slavia Praha’s appeal against sanctions for racist behaviour by supporters during their Europa League clash against Anderlecht in December 2024 was partially upheld. While the €20,000 fine remains in place, the Appeals Body reduced the scope of the punishment by ordering only a partial stadium closure. Sectors 106 and 107 at Eden Arena will be closed for one future UEFA home match.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid saw two separate appeals dismissed in full.
First, the club had challenged sanctions related to player conduct during their 1-0 defeat to Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16. Players Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, and Dani Ceballos were found to have violated UEFA’s Article 11(2)(b) on decent conduct, with the Appeals Body upholding the original decision, fining the trio €40,000, €30,000 and €20,000 respectively and issuing suspended one-match bans.
In a separate case, Real Madrid’s appeal over racist behaviour charges stemming from their 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals was also rejected. The April 28 decision by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body is now confirmed, meaning the sanctions imposed at that time – a suspended away fan ban and €15,000 fine – will stand.
The rulings underline UEFA’s continued firm stance on racism and misconduct, both on and off the pitch, as the organisation seeks to uphold standards of behaviour across its competitions.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1751991104labto1751991104ofdlr1751991104owedi1751991104sni@g1751991104niwe.1751991104yrrah1751991104