FC Bayern’s Appeal Regarding Luis Diaz’s Suspension Denied

Final Decision Issued by German Football Association’s Sports Court

FC Bayern’s challenge against the suspension of Luis Diaz has been unsuccessful, as the sports court of the German Football Association has issued a conclusive ruling.

Suspension Stays in Effect

The mandatory ban of one Bundesliga match will remain in force.

Explanation from the DFB Sports Court Chair

The head of the DFB Sports Court, Stephan Oberholz, provided clarity on the ruling, stating, “Upon inquiry, referee Dingert mentioned he noticed that player Diaz initiated a sprint into the penalty area absent any interference from Leverkusen’s goalkeeper, which he interpreted as an unsportsmanlike act. Although he later observed the subsequent contact with the foot only through video review post-match, even considering that, player Diaz had already sought contact before this point, making his judgment not entirely erroneous.”

Oberholz further remarked, “The fact that the referee’s decision might have differed had he viewed the television footage is not pertinent to the sports court’s evaluation. What matters is that the referee’s decision is a factual one that can be revised only if it is evidently, seriously, and indisputably incorrect. This is not applicable in this scenario.”

Details of the Incident

Diaz received a yellow card during the 84th minute of the Bundesliga clash between Bayer Leverkusen and FC Bayern. Referee Christian Dingert ruled a situation in the penalty area as a foul.

Automatic Ban Regulations

Typically, a yellow-red card results in an automatic one-match suspension. The referee’s judgment is shielded by FIFA’s regulations.

Possibility of Appeals

The possibility for correction exists only in the case of a clear error, something the DFB sports court did not find applicable in this situation.

FC Bayern had officially filed an appeal against the suspension on Sunday, following numerous contentious decisions made during the match against Leverkusen.

In light of the DFB’s ruling, Diaz’s suspension for one Bundesliga match continues to stand. However, a subsequent appeal against the single judge’s decision can be submitted to the sports court within a 24-hour timeframe.