Leonardo to learn ban appeal decision next week

08 October 2013 15:54

Former PSG sports director Leonardo will learn next week if his appeal against a year-long football suspension is successful, the president of the relevant administrative court said Tuesday.

The 1994 World Cup winner with Brazil was hit with the hefty ban after barging a referee in the tunnel following a Ligue 1 match at the end of last season.

He denied it was voluntary but was nevertheless hit with the lengthy ban, after which he left his post with the French champions.

"The case will end tomorrow (Wednesday) morning and the decision will not necessarily be taken this week, more likely at the beginning of next week," said Martine Doumergue.

Leonardo was originally banned for nine months after his shove on Alexandre Castro, which was caught on camera, following PSG's 1-1 draw at home to Valenciennes on May 5.

That was extended to 14 months after the Brazilian appealed to the French Football Federation (FFF).

The French National Olympic Committee then declared it was not the right body to judge on the case as Leonardo did not hold a licence with the French football authorities.

Tuesday's case centred around the FFF's authority to ban a club director who did not hold a licence with the FFF.

Source: AFP