UEFA Investigation Clears Vinicius Junior While Rudiger and Mbappe Face Suspensions

UEFA has also concluded its investigation into four high-profile footballers. This coming on the heels of their deplorable behavior after Real Madrid’s latest Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid. The first such quartet on the block was none other than Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Junior. Accusations of ‘indecent conduct’ led UEFA to place Fabio Capello’s second assistant under special inspector to carry out an internal investigation.

Our investigation focused in particularly on the players’ behavior immediately after the game. This seemed to imply that their conduct might have otherwise violated UEFA’s code of conduct. As a result, the governing body assessed the behavior of Rudiger, Mbappe, Ceballos, and Vinicius Junior during this critical period.

Vinicius Junior came out of the investigation without blame, as UEFA found him guilty of nothing. So they decided not to bring any disciplinary charges against him. This decision allows him to freely play in the final matches of the season without any consequences.

Each Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe only received one-match European suspensions associated with their participation in that brawl. Yet, UEFA has opted to suspend each of these penalties for one year, providing both players with relief from immediate punishment. In addition to the player suspensions, Rudiger received a €40,000 fine for breaching UEFA’s embargo on restoring good order. Kylian Mbappe was fined €30,000 for the same infraction.

Dani Ceballos, equally under scrutiny, hasn’t been subjected to any punishment or fine from UEFA. This result highlights the lack of accountability for the ‘bad four’ involved in this fatal incident.

The investigation highlights UEFA’s commitment to maintaining standards of conduct among players and ensuring that all participants adhere to expected behavior within the sport. Whether or not to sign Rudiger or Mbappe brings forth the importance of professionalism. That’s as true of their conduct on the field as it is off it.