Europa League Thrown Into Chaos as UEFA Launch Investigation Over Ineligible Player
UEFA have issued a statement.
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Topics: UEFA, Lyon, Europa League
Ryan Smart
Topics: UEFA, Lyon, Europa League
UEFA have launched an investigation over an ineligible player being fielded during matchweek one of the Europa League.
Europe's second-tier club competition is heading into its third week, with seven teams having won both of their matches thus far this season, including Aston Villa, Dinamo Zagreb and Braga.
Lyon are also one of those seven clubs. Paulo Fonseca's side suffered a torrid summer amid the threat of relegation to France's second-tier due to financial irregularities.
That sanction was overturned by UEFA, and they were also permitted to play in the Europa League having earned qualification through their Ligue 1 finishing position.
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But things have taken another turn after European football's governing body stated that they fielded an ineligible player during their 1-0 win over Utrecht on matchweek one.
Rachid Ghezzal, a Lyon academy graduate who returned to the club this summer for his second spell, was not eligible to play in the match but was brought off the bench in the second half and assisted Tanner Tessman's winning goal.
Utrecht have now filed a complaint to UEFA and an investigation is underway.
"We confirm that, in accordance with Article 31 of the UEFA Europa League competition regulations, player Rachid Ghezzal will only be eligible to participate in UEFA club competitions from the next registration period," UEFA is quoted as saying by French outlet Le Dauphine Libéré.
"The club was duly informed and the player was removed from the squad list before the match against FC Salzburg. Please also note that following the previous match in which the player was fielded, FC Utrecht filed a complaint."
The statement added: "A disciplinary investigation has been opened and the case is still ongoing. We have no further comment at this stage."
Since the error was UEFA's, Lyon are not at risk of punishment, according to RMC Sport, who claim a disciplinary investigation has been opened 'but the initial error lies with the European body.'
Lyon have also confirmed that they have received clarification from UEFA on the matter. They believe the decision will have no impact on the result in Utrecht, according to the previously mentioned report.
Rachid Ghezzal, who will not be eligible to feature in the Europa League until January, has made four appearances for Lyon this season.