Soccer

Why have UEFA fined PSG and banned former sporting director Leonardo?

European champions Real Madrid defeated PSG 3-2 on aggregate, despite being 2-0 down with less than 30 minutes remaining.

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UEFA have fined Paris Saint-Germain €8000 and banned former sporting director Leonardo for one match following incidents at the end of their Champions League match against Real Madrid in March.

European champions Madrid defeated PSG 3-2 on aggregate, despite being 2-0 down with less than 30 minutes remaining.

The punishments handed down by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body stem from events on 9 March.

Furious reaction from PSG

According to The Athletic, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Leonardo went to the referees’ room at the Santiago Bernabéu to complain about the award of Real’s first goal, believing that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had been fouled in the build-up.

PSG were fined €16,000 on 2 June, but appealed the decision.

“The appeal lodged by Paris Saint-Germain is partially upheld. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of March 2 is amended as follows,” a UEFA statement read.

“To fine Paris Saint-Germain €8000 for blocking of public passageways. The CEBD had decided, inter alia, to fine Paris Saint-Germain €16000 for blocking of public passageways.”

Leonardo leaves PSG

Leonardo left the French club last week and has since been replaced by sporting advisor Luis Campos.

The former AC Milan player was appointed as PSG’s sporting director for the second time in July 2019.

Club president Al-Khelaifi has been cleared.

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