Having already been suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain, this week’s unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia could yet cost Lionel Messi more than docked pay.
According to RMC Sport this afternoon, the disciplinary proceedings opened against the Argentine by the league leaders could also see him denied his ethics bonus – which would usually be paid out on the condition of his good behaviour throughout the season.
PSG have notified the league authorities’ judiciary commission, report RMC, in the wake of the sanctions to be taken against the World Cup winner. Should Messi or his legal team contest any of the decisions taken by the club, the situation would then go to a hearing, in which both parties would be questioned in order to allow the authorities to decide on whether the suspension is valid. It remains to be seen whether the former Barcelona man will contest the decision, with reports pointing to a departure at the end of next month anyway. Messi’s team chose not to comment, when reached by RMC this afternoon.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin