Jude Bellingham ‘learns his fate with Euro 2024 ban’ after UEFA launches investigation into England star | Football | Sport

Jude Bellingham can reportedly avoid a UEFA ban ahead of England’s quarter-final match against Switzerland at the 2024 European Championship. The 21-year-old was investigated by the governing body over his celebration after the last-minute equaliser against Slovakia.

Bellingham was seen moving his right hand from his face towards his groin before sliding it back and forth while staring towards the touchline. He later claimed his gesture was an “inside joke” between friends, but UEFA investigated it anyway.

Bild meanwhile reported that UEFA will not ban Bellingham, giving England’s Euro hopes a huge boost. He is expected to receive a five-figure fine rather than a ban after Slovakia decided not to pursue the matter further.

UEFA has reportedly concluded that Bellingham’s gesture was not directed at the Slovakian bench, although it was an example of “unsportsmanlike conduct”. It is said that a precedent was set when Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was only fined after making a similar gesture at the World Cup two years ago.

The ruling means Bellingham can play for England when they face Switzerland for a place in the semi-finals. Gareth Southgate’s side have scored just four goals in four games at the Euros, with the Real Madrid midfielder scoring two of them.

After England’s extra-time win over Slovakia, Bellingham said: “I think the performance was really good up until their goal and even after that. We had the game massively under control, were always dangerous in the final third, we just perhaps lacked that finishing touch to create big chances.”

“That will definitely be important for us in the future. Look at who came on as a substitute. We won that game together. Not me, not Harry (Kane), not the individual moments. It’s people like Ivan Toney, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka who play at left-back.

“That’s the sacrifice you make for the team and that’s the energy we have to maintain no matter what happens.”

Bellingham could get a chance to shine in a new formation on Saturday, with England reportedly set to switch to a back three. This could give him more freedom as one of two attacking midfielders behind Kane, who will start as the lone striker.