UEFA could take disciplinary action against members of the Spanish national team over Gibraltar’s chants following their victory at Euro 2024.

Spain’s victory over England in the 2024 European Championship final was a moment of immense joy and celebration for La Roja and its fans.

Spain secured their first major tournament victory in 12 years after beating England in the final of Euro 2024 thanks to a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal.

The victory sparked a lavish celebration that lasted late into the night and ended with a grand trophy parade in Madrid.

However, a scandal involving two key Spanish players, Rodri and Alvaro Morata, has cast a shadow over the post-victory celebrations, with the duo currently under investigation by UEFA following complaints about their behaviour during the trophy celebrations.

During the festivities at the Cibeles fountain in Madrid, Rodri and Morata were filmed chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish.” The chant, which refers to the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, has caused much controversy. The Gibraltar Football Association quickly filed a formal complaint with UEFA, labeling the chants as “extremely provocative and offensive.”

UEFA responded by launching a disciplinary investigation into the actions of Rodri and Morata. A statement from the governing body confirmed the appointment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to assess a possible breach of UEFA rules.

“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector is being appointed to assess a possible breach of UEFA disciplinary rules by players Rodrigo Hernández Cascante and Álvaro Morata in the context of conduct that occurred during the public presentation of the UEFA EURO 2024 Trophy in Madrid on 15 July 2024. Further information on this matter will be made available in due course,” UEFA announced.

Historical context and political sensitivity

Gibraltar has been a British territory since 1713 and has repeatedly rejected Spanish sovereignty in referendums. The issue remains a sensitive and contentious topic between the UK and Spain.

The Spanish government continues to claim sovereignty over Gibraltar, claiming that the British occupation is contrary to international law. The Spanish Foreign Ministry’s position underscores the complexity and historical depth of the dispute.

“Spain has repeatedly asked the United Kingdom to enter into negotiations. The continued de facto occupation by the British does not meet the requirements of international law for the acquisition of sovereignty. That is why Spain has always stressed that the occupation of the isthmus is illegal and contrary to international law and has therefore always demanded its unconditional return. Spain does not recognise the occupation of the isthmus or the fence as a border,” they said.

What did the Gibraltar Football Association say?

The investigation into Rodri and Morata’s conduct could lead to disciplinary action, including possible suspensions for future matches. UEFA has not set a timeline for the case, but the implications are significant, ESPN says. Both players could be suspended for the upcoming Nations League matches in September.

The incident is reminiscent of a recent case involving Albania’s Mirlind Daku, who was banned for two matches by UEFA after he shouted nationalistic chants during Euro 2024. Daku used a megaphone to chant derogatory chants about Macedonia and Serbia after Albania’s match against Croatia. He later publicly apologized, but UEFA still imposed the suspension.

The Gibraltar Football Association welcomed UEFA’s swift action. “The Gibraltar FA welcomes the statement issued by UEFA in relation to our letter dated 18 July 2024, which confirmed the appointment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate the matter,” they said. The GFA also mentioned the submission of additional evidence regarding the behaviour of Shelbourne FC supporters at Europa Point Stadium.

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