Messi team optimistic after FIFA ban appeal - 7M sport

Messi team optimistic after FIFA ban appeal

The Barcelona icon's legal representatives are optimistic after making a case in favour of the Albicelest captain


Posted Friday, May 05, 2017 by Goal.com

Messi team optimistic after FIFA ban appeal

Lionel Messi's lawyer said his team "felt satisfied" after presenting an appeal against his four-match ban for Argentina to FIFA.

Messi was handed the suspension by FIFA after abusing a match official during the 1-0 victory over Chile last month, ruling him out of the 2-0 loss at Bolivia and their next three 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Argentina are fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying, which would see them have to contest an inter-confederation play-off, two points ahead of sixth-placed Ecuador.

Should the ban hold up Argentina - who are set to offer the coach's job to Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli after sacking Edgardo Bauza - will be without Messi for qualifiers with Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru, though he would be in line to return for a potentially crucial final game away against Ecuador.

"I think we did a very good job," Messi's attorney Juan de Dios Crespo told ESPN FC Radio in Argentina after the hearing in Zurich. "FIFA has asked us not to comment a lot on the subject. Once they announce their decision I will speak more.

"They must study the case now. It is possible that next week FIFA will announce a decision.

"Our optimism is based upon a job well done. I can't discuss the case right now. In a few days I will be able to give you all the details. But now I cannot tell you whether or not there was videoconferencing [with Messi from Barcelona]."

Pressed on whether Argentina would take an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, De Dios Crespo replied: "Let's wait to see what happens. We have asked that the ban be lifted. We are hopeful it will be completely reduced. We shall see."



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