Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged by UEFA following a controversial chant about Gibraltar during a Euro 2024 celebration event.
His international teammate, Alvaro Morata, has also faced similar charges from European football's governing body.
Rodri, named player of the tournament, took the microphone at a large gathering in Madrid on July 15 and sang “Gibraltar es Español” (“Gibraltar is Spanish”), prompting a formal complaint from the Gibraltar Football Association (GFA).
Both players are being charged under Article 11 of UEFA’s disciplinary code, which addresses violations of decent conduct, the misuse of sporting events for non-sporting expressions, and actions that bring the sport into disrepute.
UEFA announced that its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will review the case.
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The incident occurred after Spain's Euro 2024 final match against England, where Rodri was substituted at half-time with the score level at 0-0. Spain ultimately won the tie 2-1.
The GFA described the actions of Rodri and Morata as “deeply offensive,” leading UEFA to appoint an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the events surrounding Spain’s celebration.
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is claimed by Spain, adding further complexity to the situation.
Rodri's displays for both club and country have earned him a mention in the running for the much-coveted Ballon d'Or prize later this year.
And his Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola admitted he couldn't be prouder of the midfielders on-field showings.
“When I saw Spain I saw him and he was the level he has been playing for many years," he told a press conference ahead of City's friendly clash against Celtic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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"His consistency was good. Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Ferran [Torres]; they were together and I am happy for them.
“There are a few candidates for the Ballon d’Or. [From] Real Madrid, Manchester City. I can’t deny how happy he would be.
“To be in the race is fantastic for him, his family, friends and of course Manchester City. We are so proud.”
