UEFA launch investigation into Real Madrid as official statement released

European football's governing body released a statement on Thursday afternoon.

Luke Davies

UEFA have released a statement in relation to Real Madrid’s Champions League round of 16 second-leg match against Atletico Madrid on March 12.

Real Madrid progressed to the last eight of the Champions League after a penalty shootout victory against Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

The evening was marred by controversy as after full-time several Los Blancos players celebrated in front of the Atletico fans still inside the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

UEFA uploaded a statement to their website on Thursday, which read: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández and Vinícius Júnior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.

“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

Real Madrid celebrated in front of Atletico Madrid fans (Credit:Getty)

Spanish outlet MARCA reports that Rudiger is being investigated concerning a gesture of “putting a hand around his neck”, Mbappe for “touching his genitals” and Vinicius Jr. for a “confrontation with the crowd” before and after the match. While Ceballos' alleged offence is not stated in MARCA's report - although he could be seen dancing alongside Jude Bellingham shortly after the end of proceedings.

And this wasn't the first time a Champions League tie at Atletico had ended in controversy.

Back in 2019, then-Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo was fined €20,000 for his gestures at the end of the Champions League round of 16 match against Atlético Madrid.

Real will return to European action on Tuesday 8 April when they face Arsenal at the Emirates in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

A ban could see the Madrid players who are being investigated miss the clash against Mikel Arteta's side but whether this could happen is still unclear at this time.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Champions League, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, UEFA, Football

Luke Davies

Luke has covered sport - including football, MMA, cricket, and boxing - for SPORTbible since 2024, having previously freelanced at Reach and JOE. When he isn't writing for SPORTbible, he's following Everton home and away. Luke also created and hosted a podcast interviewing guests from singers and bands to footballers and boxers.

@lukedaviesmedia