UEFA has charged Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri for his remarks about Gibraltar following Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory.
During the public celebrations of Spain’s win, Rodri chanted “Gibraltar es Espanol”, Gibraltar is Spanish, referencing the ongoing territorial dispute.
Although Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, Spanish authorities assert it should belong to Spain.
In response, Morata quickly remarked, “But you play in England, buddy.”
The Gibraltar FA filed a formal complaint, labeling Rodri and other Spain players’ comments as “hugely offensive” and accused them of politicizing sport.
UEFA has since initiated proceedings.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) against Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante and Alvaro Morata for the conduct that occurred during the public presentation of the 2024 UEFA European Championship trophy in Madrid on 15 July 2024,” a UEFA statement confirmed.
Rodri and Morata now face charges for breaching UEFA’s general code of conduct and are being investigated for “using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature” and “bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.”
The Gibraltar FA welcomed the news of the investigation.
“This is an important first step to establish the unlawfulness of the chant on grounds put forward by the GFA,” their statement read.
“The Gibraltar FA now awaits the decision of the board when the matter is heard.”
Rodri, who was named Euro 2024 player of the tournament, continued to add to his impressive trophy collection this summer.
