UEFA drops the hammer on Yamal, Lewandowski and Flick over doping regulations

UEFA has taken disciplinary action against Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and head coach Hansi Flick following breaches of anti-doping regulations and conduct rules during the previous Champions League campaign. 

Both Yamal and Lewandowski were fined €5,000 each for failing to immediately comply with the instructions of the anti-doping control officer after their semi-final match against Inter Milan, specifically for not reporting promptly to the doping control post as required.

Meanwhile, as reported by sportal.gr, manager Hansi Flick received a much heavier sanction, a €20,000 fine and a one-match ban from UEFA club competitions, for violating UEFA’s general principles of conduct and breaching basic decorum rules. 

Flick’s assistant Marcus Sorg was hit with identical penalties. The disciplinary committee noted Flick’s visible protests and complaints regarding refereeing decisions during Barcelona’s 4-3 loss to Inter Milan as part of the context for his punishment.

Additionally, Barcelona as a club were fined €5,250 for fans throwing objects and €2,500 for the use of flares during the same match. 

These sanctions take effect immediately, meaning that both Flick and Sorg will be absent from the dugout for Barcelona’s opening match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season. 

The club’s European campaign tip-off is now expected to proceed without their manager and assistant coach on the sidelines.

This disciplinary action comes as a setback for Barcelona, who recently impressed by winning domestic trebles but now face disruptions and financial penalties ahead of a crucial Champions League campaign. 

The sanctions underline UEFA’s strict enforcement of anti-doping protocol and conduct standards, emphasising accountability for both players and staff.

Barcelona’s Yamal, who has been snubbed for the Ballon d'Or by an expert, and Robert Lewandowski have been fined for anti-doping breaches, while Hansi Flick and his assistant face bans and fines for misconduct, all of which impact the club’s preparations and stand as a firm reminder of UEFA’s regulatory rigor.