Confusion surrounding Luis Diaz: How long is the Bayern star banned from the CL? | OneFootball

FC Bayern will definitely have to do without Luis Díaz for the Champions League top match against FC Arsenal. The Colombian is suspended after being sent off against Paris Saint-Germain – but the exact duration of this suspension remains unclear. Neither UEFA nor FC Bayern have yet given any official information, which is causing a great deal of uncertainty both internally and externally.

Díaz was initially the celebrated match-winner in the 2-1 win against PSG. The 28-year-old almost single-handedly led the record champions to an away win with two goals. But shortly before half-time, the game turned for him – and for Bayern. A completely over-motivated tackle on Achraf Hakimi, who then had to be substituted in tears, earned Díaz a red card following VAR intervention.

Italian referee Maurizio Mariani’s decision to change the card from yellow to red after seeing the pictures was a controversial one. While many fans and TV pundits felt the sending-off was too harsh, others pointed out that Díaz had taken an enormous risk of injury with an open sole. The scene continues to stir emotions – not only because of its sporting implications, but also because of its consequences.

Because these consequences have not yet been fully clarified.

How long will Díaz really be missing? Bayern are in the dark themselves

photo: IMAGO

So far, only one thing is clear: Díaz will miss the away game at Arsenal next week, but how long the attacking player will have to sit out beyond that is still unconfirmed.

Head coach Vincent Kompany explained at the press conference on Friday: „My information is that he is suspended for one game.“

Sporting director Christoph Freund was similarly cautious and assumes that the Colombian will only be missing for the Arsenal game – but also emphasized that there is still no final confirmation from UEFA.

The problem: UEFA does not always communicate suspensions for sending-offs in the Champions League immediately, especially if additional investigations are necessary or the scene is deemed particularly sensitive. In theory, more than a one-match ban is also possible in cases of serious foul play.

Bayern hopes for a quick clarification

Should UEFA ban Díaz for more than one match, it would hit Munich hard. After the thriller against Arsenal, there are three more group games to come: against Sporting Lisbon, Union Saint-Gilloise and PSV Eindhoven.

Díaz has long since become a key player under Kompany. With his pace, athleticism and direct style of play, he invigorates the left side of the attack and gives the team an additional weapon – precisely the attributes that can be decisive against deep-lying opponents or in tight Champions League matches.

FC Bayern continue to expect UEFA to announce an official decision in the near future, especially as the sending-off was the result of VAR intervention, the disciplinary committee could classify the foul as a regular case – which usually means a one-match ban.