The global football regulatory organization, FIFA, has turned down Atlético Madrid’s request to overturn the prohibition on English national Kieran Trippier. This implies that the defender’s suspension will be in effect across the globe.
FIFA Denies Atlético Madrid’s Plea Against Trippier’s Suspension
Nevertheless, the penalty could be put on hold again if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepts a further request for review. This would enable Trippier to take the field for his Spanish team.
Trippier was accused of wrongdoing by the Football Association (FA) in the early part of May last year. He was found to have breached the FA’s wagering regulations, in a case connected to his transfer from Tottenham to Atlético Madrid.
The FA imposed a 10-week suspension on Trippier, deciding that he had violated FA rule E8(1)(b). This rule prohibits players from revealing any information about potential transfers.
The suspension took effect on December 21, 2020, but was shortened to four weeks this month following a personal hearing. A £70,000 (€78,612/$95,275) fine remains in place.
FIFA initially stated that the suspension would be enforced globally. This signifies that despite the suspension being issued by the FA, it would mean Trippier would be prohibited from playing for Atlético Madrid in Spain.
Atletico Madrid challenged this part of the prohibition, contending that it could only be enforced in England. Consequently, the worldwide ban was halted on January 2 while the appeal was reviewed. By that time, Trippier had already missed three matches.
The FA maintained that although the ban spanned from December 21, 2020 to February 28, 2021, Trippier was essentially still serving it while being permitted to compete in Spain, which contradicted the intent of the penalty.
To rectify this, the FA sought to have the “dates modified” so that the ban would become effective either when FIFA authorized its global enforcement or when Trippier rejoined an English club, whichever occurred first.
However, the panel rejected this plea, stating that only FIFA could determine whether a global ban should be imposed.
The FIFA Appeals Committee has now decided that the FA’s ruling can be applied worldwide. As a result, Trippier will be ineligible to play in Spain until his 10-week suspension concludes on February 28.
Atletico Madrid declared their intention to bring the case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. If the CAS consents to hear the case, Trippier will be allowed to continue playing until a verdict is reached.
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