UEFA, the governing body for European football, has taken action against Spanish players Álvaro Morata and Rodri for apparent violations of its “basic rules of decent conduct”. The charges were prompted by the pair leading fans in a chant asserting Spanish sovereignty over Gibraltar. This took place in Madrid during celebrations of the Spanish team’s victory over England in the final of Euro 2024. Gibraltar, positioned at the southern tip of Spain, has held status as a British territory for over three centuries.
The charges outlined by UEFA also hold Morata and Rodri accountable for potentially damaging the reputation of the sport and the organisation. UEFA made it clear that these proceedings signify a crucial first move towards defining the illegality of the chant, based on the reasons provided by the Gibraltar Football Association in its official complaint.
The Gibraltar Football Association had filed a formal complaint to UEFA surrounding the chant. In response to the action of disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish players, it stated that it welcomed UEFA’s decision. In response to the charges, UEFA stated its disciplinary body will make a judgement on the case at a later, unspecified, date.
As a result of the charges, Morata and Rodri could face suspension from the Nations League games scheduled to take place in September. This would stand as penalty for their actions in the incident involving the Gibraltar chant. UEFA has rendered similar verdicts in the past; during Euro 2024 in Germany, the organisation issued a two-game suspension to Albanian player Mirlind Daku after he led fans in nationalist chants against Serbia and North Macedonia.
For context, Morata, the captain of the Spanish team, recently transferred from Atlético Madrid to AC Milan. Rodri, who plays for Manchester City, was lauded as player of the tournament during Euro 2024. The incident took place amidst celebrations of the Spanish team’s victory in the Euro 2024 final, where they triumphed over England with a 2-1 win.
The announcement of UEFA’s charges against Morata and Rodri and the respective proceedings were reported by The Associated Press. More news and details about UEFA Euro can be accessed by following updates on games, the participating teams and related developments.
