Lionel Messi appeals against four-match World Cup qualifying ban at FIFA

Messi already served one match of the ban

Written by: Rachit.Kanaujia

Published: May 5, 2017, 1:50 PM IST

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Lionel Messi appeals against four match ban.

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, appeal against a four-match ban in World Cup qualifying for insulting a referee’s assistant was being heard by FIFA on Thursday. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was given a four-match ban in March after verbally assaulting an official in the World Cup qualifier against Chile on March 24.

Messi, who was to testify by video, is not expected to get an immediate verdict. The FIFA appeals panel typically gives a detailed verdict within weeks in non-urgent cases. Messi’s lawyer, Juan de Dios Crespo, told ESPN FC Radio in Argentina (107.9 FM) that the group presented their defense in the case and “left feeling satisfied with the appeal.”

De Dios Crespo confirmed to Telam that they were seeking to limit the ban to the one match Messi has already served. The FIFA appeals panel typically gives a detailed verdict within weeks in non-urgent cases.

“I think we did a very good job,” De Dios Crespo said. “FIFA has asked us not to comment a lot on the subject. Once they announce their decision I will speak more.

“They must study the case now. It is possible that next week FIFA will announce a decision.”

FIFA disciplinary rules require a sanction “at least four matches for unsporting conduct toward a match official.”

Messi already served one match of the ban that was imposed when the FIFA disciplinary committee gave its ruling hours before Argentina’s 2-0 loss in Bolivia in March. Argentina’s next World Cup qualifier is at Uruguay on Aug. 31.

Messi is also currently banned for home games against Venezuela on Sept. 5 and Peru on Oct. 5. Also Check: Europa League semis, first leg: Courtesy Marcus Rashford’s strike, Manchester United beat Celta Vigo; Ajax thrash Lyon

Argentina are fifth in the 10-team South American group with four games left. The 2014 World Cup runners-up are currently in line to advance to a November playoff against a team from Oceania, likely to be New Zealand.