July 23, (THEWILL) – The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Spanish footballers, Alvaro Morata and Rodri, following their controversial behaviour during an EURO 2024 presentation in Madrid earlier this month. The incident, which occurred on July 15, has sparked tension and raised questions about the appropriate conduct of professional athletes during public celebrations.
The players, both key members of Spain’s victorious EURO 2024 squad, were recorded chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish” during a public event in the Spanish capital. This celebration took place just one day after Spain’s triumphant 2-1 victory over England in the tournament final in Berlin. The chant has drawn significant criticism due to its political nature, as Gibraltar is a British territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula.
In response to the incident, the Gibraltar Football Association promptly filed a formal complaint to UEFA, prompting the governing body to appoint an ethics and disciplinary inspector to evaluate whether the players’ actions violated existing regulations. The charges levelled against Morata and Rodri are serious and multifaceted, including violations of basic rules of decent conduct, and general principles of conduct, using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature, and bringing the sport of football into disrepute.
This development has cast a shadow over Spain’s recent EURO 2024 victory and highlighted the ongoing sensitivity surrounding Gibraltar’s status. The territory, which has been under British control since 1713, has long been a point of contention between the United Kingdom and Spain. The players’ actions have reignited this debate in the context of international football, potentially straining diplomatic relations and raising questions about the role of politics in sport.
The case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete and the potential consequences of mixing sports with political statements. Whatever the result, this incident is likely to prompt further discussions about the boundaries of acceptable behaviour for footballers both on and off the pitch.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
