Lewandowski and Yamal Punished by UEFA for Anti-Doping Violations

Barcelona stars Robert Lewandowski and Yamal have been punished by UEFA for anti-doping violations. Meanwhile, head coach Hansi Flick also violated UEFA’s rules in a more severe manner.

Both Lewandowski and Yamal were fined by UEFA for post-match anti-doping violations. Marca reports that each player must pay 5,000 euros to UEFA. The violations involved two aspects: the players not taking anti-doping tests immediately after the match and not following the instructions of the testing officials.

Barcelona’s Champions League return in doubt

This isn’t Barcelona’s first run-in with UEFA this summer. The club was previously fined €15 million for violating Financial Fair Play regulations. This fine will increase to €60 million if they fail to meet a series of conditions this season.

Barcelona also requested that their first Champions League match be moved to an away game as they race against time to prepare for their return to Camp Nou, otherwise they face the threat of having to return to Montjuïc for all four home league matches.

Hans Flick Faces a Champions League Ban

Head coach Hansi Flick, on the other hand, received a more severe punishment. The German head coach was found to have violated both the general and basic rules of conduct. Assistant coach Markus Sorger was also found to have violated both of these rules.

Both players have been banned from Barcelona’s first European match of the season and face fines of €20,000 each. The specific reasons for the fines are unclear, but Flick did complain about the refereeing after Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan last year and was also seen protesting during the match.