Yamal & Lewandowski found guilty of violating Champions League’s anti-doping laws

Barcelona Duo Yamal and Lewandowski Found Guilty of Anti-Doping Violations in Champions League

Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski have been found guilty of breaching UEFA’s anti-doping regulations during last season’s Champions League campaign, just days before the start of the 2025/26 season.

The reigning La Liga champions, who will begin their title defence against RCD Mallorca in just over a week, are now facing an early storm as two of their most high-profile players have been penalised.

Under head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona enjoyed a phenomenal 2024/25 season, securing a domestic treble and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. However, the incident in question occurred immediately after their semi-final clash with Inter Milan, casting a shadow over their preparations for the new campaign.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee determined that Yamal and Lewandowski failed to comply with the instructions of the Anti-Doping Control Officer. The pair reportedly did not report directly to the doping control station after the match, as required under competition rules.

Fines and Sanctions
Both players have been hit with fines of €5,000 (£4,336) each for the breach. Head coach Hansi Flick has also been punished more severely, receiving a €20,000 (£17,339) fine alongside a one-match suspension from UEFA club competitions for “breaching general principles of conduct” and failing to maintain expected standards of behaviour.

Assistant coach Marcus Sorg has been handed identical sanctions to Flick, including the fine and suspension.

Barcelona as a club have not escaped punishment either. UEFA imposed additional fines on the Catalan giants: €5,250 (£4,551) for objects thrown by supporters and €2,500 (£2,167) for fireworks being set off during the match against Inter Milan.

Immediate Effect on European Campaign
The penalties take immediate effect, meaning Flick’s absence will be felt in Barcelona’s next European fixture. While the fines themselves are relatively minor for a club of Barça’s stature, the incident has brought unwanted attention and questions about professionalism within the squad.

For Yamal, still a teenager and one of world football’s brightest young talents, and Lewandowski, a veteran striker and team leader, the breach is a notable blemish ahead of a season where the club is expected to compete fiercely on all fronts.

Source: notjustok.com