The appeal by Paris St-Germain (PSG) forward Neymar against a three-match UEFA Champions League ban has been rejected, European football governing body UEFA said on Wednesday.
The ban was imposed on the Brazilian player for insulting match officials, following the French side’s elimination from the competition last season
Neymar had labelled the video assistant referee system a “disgrace” after Manchester United were awarded a decisive last-gap penalty kick at the Parc des Princes.
The English side had gone on to convert the kick to advance to the quarter-finals on the away goals rule.
The Brazilian was suspended in April for three UEFA Champions League matches, and PSG appealed the decision.
“The appeal lodged by PSG is rejected. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of April 25 is confirmed,” UEFA said in a statement.
Neymar’s woes have since continued to mount, with Brazilian tax authorities this week putting a freeze on his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute.
In addition, Neymar in recent weeks has been accused of rape, an allegation that the Brazilian police are investigating.
But the player has denied the allegation.
Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America currently holding in his home country because of an ankle ligament injury.
