NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Real Madrid has challenged coach Jose Mourinho’s five-match Champions League ban for accusing UEFA and its referees of conspiring to help Barcelona.
UEFA says its appeals body will hear the case on June 30.
UEFA’s disciplinary panel punished Mourinho for “inappropriate” comments after Madrid’s 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the first leg of the semifinals on April 27. He also was sent from the dugout during the game.
Mourinho was banned for the return match. Another one-game ban was suspended provided there are no further infractions for three years.
He will miss Madrid’s first three Champions League group matches next season.
Under UEFA rules, Mourinho can later appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport if his sanction is three matches.
