Yamal and Lewandowski fined by UEFA for failing to comply with anti-doping control regulations

Barcelona have been hit with an uncommon and rather embarrassing sanction from UEFA, drawing attention not for events on the pitch, but for a breach of strict post-match anti-doping control regulations.

The governing body confirmed that the incident occurred after the Champions League semi-final clash at San Siro, a high-pressure night that ultimately took an unexpected turn off the field.

The disciplinary action centres around two of Barcelona’s biggest names: Robert Lewandowski, the veteran striker and one of the most recognisable forwards in European football, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose rapid rise has made him a central figure in both the club’s present and its future. According to UEFA’s report, both players were required to undergo routine anti-doping tests immediately after the match a standard procedure intended to ensure the integrity of the sport and the fairness of competition.

However, instead of proceeding directly to the testing area as instructed, Lewandowski and Yamal reportedly arrived late, causing delays to the process. Furthermore, they are said to have failed to follow the exact instructions of the doping control officer in charge. While the incident is not believed to have involved any refusal to take the test or any attempt to avoid it, UEFA considers punctuality and full cooperation to be mandatory. As a result, each player has been handed a fine of five thousand euros a symbolic amount for players of their stature, but one that carries reputational consequences and serves as a public reminder of the importance of following the rules to the letter.

In addition to the fines imposed on the players, UEFA’s disciplinary panel also sanctioned the club’s technical staff. Head coach Hansi Flick, who took charge of Barcelona with the aim of restoring them to Europe’s elite, and his assistant Marcus Sorg, have both been banned from sitting on the bench during Barcelona’s first Champions League match of the upcoming season. This punishment stems from what UEFA described as “improper and unsporting conduct” towards match officials behaviour that is taken seriously in the context of European competitions. Flick and Sorg have also been fined twenty thousand euros each, underlining the governing body’s determination to maintain high standards of professionalism and respect in the game.

While financial penalties of this scale will have little material impact on the club or the individuals involved, the incident raises questions about discipline, focus, and adherence to procedures in high-stakes environments. Anti-doping controls are a non-negotiable aspect of professional football, designed not only to detect prohibited substances but also to protect the credibility of the competition. Any failure to comply, even in seemingly minor procedural ways, can lead to scrutiny and public criticism.

For Barcelona, the timing is particularly unwelcome. The club is entering a season filled with expectations under Flick’s leadership, aiming to reassert itself as a dominant force in Europe after several seasons of mixed results. Lamine Yamal is expected to play an even greater role in the squad, while Lewandowski remains a key source of goals and experience. Both players will now have to move past this minor controversy and refocus on their on-field responsibilities.

From UEFA’s perspective, the ruling is as much about sending a message as it is about punishing a specific incident. The body has consistently emphasised that doping control is a critical pillar of fair play, and any deviation from established protocols whether intentional or accidental will be met with formal action.

Barcelona will now start their Champions League campaign without their head coach and his top assistant in the technical area, a disruption that could affect tactical communication and in-game decision-making during what is often a decisive opening match. Although the players involved will be available to play, the club’s off-field discipline will be under the microscope, with both media and supporters expecting a sharper focus on professional conduct in the months ahead.