How Long Could Luis Enrique be Suspended Following Slap Incident During Club World Cup Final?

At the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, two of the best teams in world football presently locked horns in a bid to become world champions. In the planet's ultimate club football fixture, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, Chelsea managed to beat PSG 3-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final to bring another trophy to London. Amidst the celebrations of victory and triumph, an unimaginable incident occurred after the full-time whistle when the PSG camp and Chelsea players got involved in a violent altercation following a heated exchange of words.

Things became serious when PSG gaffer Luis Enrique was caught on camera seemingly slapping Chelsea's João Pedro. This incident has raised a lot of eyebrows, and the veteran Spanish gaffer has faced a lot of backlash from the football fraternity after the incident. Achraf Hakimi and Gianluigi Donnarumma were having a heated discussion with Chelsea's Brazilian duo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos. Enrique came in between and appeared to slap Pedro, causing him to fall to the ground instantly. Enrique, during the post-match press conference, said that he intended to avoid escalating the conflict, and what happened was avoidable and must never happen again.

How long could Luis Enrique be suspended?

The slap incident by Luis Enrique could invite major repercussions, as suspension could be the bare minimum punishment he could get. Many from the Spanish media believe that Enrique could be suspended for a minimum of three games after hitting Pedro. He might not even be allowed to train with his players if evidences go against him in the trial. FIFA has left no stone unturned previously to handle such cases of violence with utmost strictness to provide a safer platform for players from different countries and ethnicities to showcase their talent. The Spanish gaffer who has never won a single trophy at PSG played before the game would have never imagined a tragic ending for his side in the FIFA Club World Cup.

How long did suspensions last previously in such cases?

In 2014, Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was handed a seven-match suspension along with a 60,000 Euros fine after headbutting Hull City midfielder David Meyler during a Premier League game. Recently, Chivas head coach Oscar Garcia was suspended for three games after kicking Club Leon and Colombian international James Rodriguez in a LIGA MX game in the first few weeks of 2025.

Roberto D'Aversa faced a four-match suspension after headbutting Hellas Verona striker Thomas Henry in a Serie A game. Following this incident, he was subsequently sacked by his team. Luis Enrique is also on the verge of suspension after he appeared to slap João Pedro. There has been no formal ban or suspension as of now. This incident serves as a firm reminder of how losing his temper poured cold water over the hard work and reputation of Enrique and what he did to become European champions in club football.