NYON: UEFA is already considering revisions of its disciplinary code because of the furore over the way in which suspensions will hit both Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the Champions League ‘Final of the Underdogs’ next month.
Sources close to European federation president Michel Platini have confirmed that the rigid rules regarding suspensions for extra yellow cards may be eased.
Chelsea’s Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic will all serve one-match bans after picking up their third bookings in the competition in the surprise semi-final second-leg ousting of Barcelona while Bayern will lose Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber who were all carded in the shootout win over Real in Madrid.
International players’ union FIFPro issued a plea for clemency on the basis that UEFA will adopt FIFA’s policy for Euro 2012 where existing yellow cards are waived after the quarter-finals. This has been rejected on the basis that UEFA cannot change rules midway through a competition.
At least Chelsea captain John Terry will be able to lift the Champions League trophy and collect his medal should the Blues beat Bayern. The England defender is suspended for the final at the Allianz Arena on May 19 after his red card against Barcelona on Tuesday at the Nou Camp.
However, despite having to watch the match from the stands, Europe’s governing body on Thursday afternoon confirmed Terry would be able to join in with any post-match celebrations.
A statement read: “If Chelsea win the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, John Terry will be allowed to lift the trophy and collect the medal.”
Terry was shown a straight red card during the first half of the semi-final against Barcelona when he kneed Alexis Sanchez in the back.
UEFA’s control and disciplinary body will decide the length of Terry’s suspension on May 31. It has the power to extend the punishment, which would apply to next season’s European Super Cup and possibly early Champions League or Europa League matches.
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