Why Rachid Ghezzal has been removed from Lyon’s Europa League squad | OneFootball

Rachid Ghezzal (33) rejoined his formative club, Olympique Lyonnais, on 5th September. The forward was included in Lyon’s UEFA Europa League squad, but having already played in the competition, he has now been withdrawn.

It is a curious case in which UEFA are the ones at fault. Ghezzal made the assist during the 1-0 win over Utrecht in their UEL opener, however, that will be Ghezzal’s final involvement of the Europa League ‘League Phase’.

Added to the squad list and eligible to play in that encounter, as per UEFA, the authorities have now clarified that the forward should, in fact, never have been registered. The player has been informed of this and Ghezzal has been removed from the squad list, as per L’Équipe. 

Utrecht may not be able to successfully appeal, despite UEFA’s error, as L’Équipe understands that the Eredivisie side’s complaint was not submitted within 24 hours of the final whistle.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle