CAS forces UEFA to reopen Algerian winger Ghezzal eligibility dispute as Utrecht push for sanctions

The “Ghezzal affair” has returned to the spotlight after FC Utrecht escalated their complaint to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, challenging UEFA’s handling of Rachid Ghezzal’s appearance against Lyon in the Europa League.

Lyon believed the matter had ended weeks ago, but Utrecht reignited the controversy by insisting that Ghezzal’s inclusion in the first-leg match constituted a clear rules breach.

Lyon won that game 1–0, and Ghezzal created the assist for Tanner Tessmann.

However, the Algerian winger signed for Lyon on 5 September, after the close of the transfer window, which made him ineligible for the fixture.

UEFA initially approved his registration but later acknowledged an administrative error and removed him from the squad lists for the rest of the competition.

The governing body treated the correction as a mere regulatory clarification, and the first investigation concluded without sanctions for Lyon.

Utrecht refused to accept that outcome. The Dutch club argued that UEFA’s oversight damaged the integrity of the competition and demanded further action.

Their insistence paid off. CAS reviewed the complaint and criticised UEFA for failing to launch disciplinary proceedings despite admitting its mistake.

CAS has now ordered UEFA to open a full investigation into the incident. Utrecht insist on an inquiry carried out “with seriousness, diligence and speed,” stressing the need to uphold fairness in European football.

This development leaves the final outcome uncertain. Lyon may face consequences depending on UEFA’s findings, and the possibility of a reclassification of the match remains on the table.

The club now watches the situation closely as the dispute unfolds, having believed they had already moved on while targeting European qualification.

🗞️ CAS verplicht UEFA tot onderzoek naar niet speelgerechtigde speler Olympique Lyonhttps://t.co/CSVWIAcRpX

— FC Utrecht (@fcutrecht) December 4, 2025