UEFA Hands Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz Three-Match Champions League Suspension

UEFA has imposed a three-match ban on Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz following his dismissal in the club’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain on November 4.

The Colombian international was sent off for a high challenge on PSG defender Achraf Hakimi, which UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body subsequently classified as “serious rough play,” warranting an extension beyond the standard one-match suspension for a straight red card.

The incident took place shortly after half-time at the Allianz Arena. While tracking back, Díaz attempted a sliding challenge and caught Hakimi high on the ankle with his studs. Hakimi suffered ligament damage and was forced off the pitch in considerable pain; he remains sidelined with no confirmed return date. Referee Szymon Marciniak initially showed a yellow card, but VAR recommended an on-field review, after which the Polish official upgraded the sanction to a red card.

Despite playing the final 43 minutes with ten men, Bayern secured the three points, with Díaz himself having scored both of their goals earlier in the contest. Since arriving from Liverpool in the summer, the 28-year-old has been one of the standout performers in European football, contributing 11 goals and seven assists in just 17 appearances across all competitions under manager Vincent Kompany.

As a result of the suspension, Díaz will miss Bayern’s next three Champions League fixtures:  

- November 26: Arsenal (away)  

- December 9: Sporting CP (home)  

- January 21: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (home)  

He remains fully eligible for domestic matches, including Saturday’s Bundesliga encounter against SC Freiburg.

Bayern Munich had expected only a one-match ban and have expressed disappointment with UEFA’s ruling. The club has requested the official written grounds for the decision and confirmed its intention to lodge an appeal, arguing that the three-match sanction is excessive. Speaking ahead of the Freiburg game, Vincent Kompany described the challenge as a “heat-of-the-moment action” but declined to elaborate further until the appeal process concludes.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique, meanwhile, refrained from criticising Díaz after the match, stating that such physical battles are part of top-level football and that he saw no malicious intent.

The suspension represents a notable setback for Bayern, who currently lead both the Bundesliga and the Champions League league phase table. Díaz’s absence will test the squad’s depth during a demanding festive period and into the new year.

UEFA continues to take a firm stance on player safety, with several recent cases of “serious rough play” resulting in extended suspensions. An update on Bayern’s appeal is anticipated in the coming days.