Source: REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
[Saba Sports News] Previously, Rodri and Alvaro Morata were banned for one national team match by UEFA for singing that Gibraltar is Spain’s territory. According to Spanish media reports, the Spanish Football Association will not appeal Morata and Rodri’s suspensions. Therefore, both players will miss the UEFA Nations League match against Serbia on September 6. Additionally, Morata is also injured; according to AC Milan reporter Antonio Vitiello, Morata has a mild strain in his left quadriceps and will return after the international break in September. It is reported that UEFA’s punishment was based on Rodri and Morata’s failure to adhere to the code of conduct, violating basic good behavior rules by using sports activities for non-sporting purposes and damaging the reputation of football and especially UEFA. Reports indicate that Morata’s injury was one reason for not appealing; additionally, Rodri chose not to appeal to avoid affecting future award nominations. The decision not to appeal was made collectively by the legal department of the Spanish Football Association, player lawyers, and representatives. Ultimately, they chose not to appeal before the deadline for appeals expired.