UEFA Disciplinary: CAS 2021/A/7957 Club Villarreal CF v. UEFA

CAS 2021/A/7957 Club Villarreal CF v. UEFA

Date of the decision: 2022-01-13

Arbitrator(s): Fabio Iudica

The specific timing for kick-off in a football match is not only related to the need to ensure equal rest time for the teams concerned but involves a broad spectrum of converging interests. So, if a club that does not adhere to the timing of the kick-off after half-time, without compelling reasons, is guilty of breaching UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. The same is true for a coach who must comply with these regulations as the highest authority in the dressing room.

Facts and Procedure

On 8 April 2021, the Club was the visiting team in the 2020-2021 UEFA Europa League quarter-final. Under the match schedule provided in the “Countdown to Kick-off” sheet, the kick-off of the Match was scheduled at 9 pm CET. Moreover, both teams were expected to leave their dressing rooms for the second half of the game at 11 minutes after the end of the first half and to be back to the pitch at the latest by 14 minutes and 30 seconds after the end of the first half, with the kick-off for the second half being expected after exactly 15 minutes break.

According to the UEFA Match Delegate Report, “there was a late restart of the second half. Home team respected the countdown. However, the away team, Villarreal CF, was late on the pitch for the second half. As a result, the second half started 2’43” late. All the Villarreal CF players entered the pitch after more than 15’, and the last...

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UEFA Disciplinary: CAS 2021/A/7957 Club Villarreal CF v. UEFA

Facts and Procedure

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