Europa League in disarray as UEFA launch investigation over ineligible player

Rachid Ghezzal’s ineligible Europa League appearance for Lyon has triggered a UEFA probe. Betting impact: markets could shift if UEFA awards a forfeit, overturns results or hands sanctions — pre-match bets on Lyon may be at risk. Punters should avoid outrights and moneyline wagers on Lyon until the investigation concludes; consider low-exposure or live markets instead.

UEFA launches probe after Lyon field ineligible player

UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation after Rachid Ghezzal featured for Lyon in their 1-0 Europa League win away at FC Utrecht despite being ineligible. The 33-year-old provided the assist for Tanner Tessmann in the opening match of the league phase, but was not registered to compete under current competition rules.

UEFA statement and immediate ruling

UEFA has confirmed that, pursuant to Article 31 of the Europa League regulations, Rachid Ghezzal is not eligible to participate in UEFA club competitions until the next registration period. The club was informed and the player was removed from the squad list prior to Lyon’s match against Red Bull Salzburg. Following the Utrecht match, FC Utrecht filed a complaint and a disciplinary investigation was opened; the case remains ongoing.

What the registration rules require

Clubs were required to submit their A list of players by 24:00 CET on September 2 for the Europa League season. Players on that list are eligible for the entire league phase. Ghezzal signed for Lyon on September 5, after the deadline, and therefore was not on Lyon’s A list. Clubs may also use a B list for younger players, but that list is limited to players born on or after January 1, 2004, which excludes Ghezzal.

Potential sporting and disciplinary outcomes

If UEFA finds a breach, sanctions could include match forfeiture, fines or other disciplinary measures against the club. Lyon have already omitted Ghezzal from recent and upcoming European squads, and he will not feature until eligibility can be restored in the next registration window. The investigation will determine whether the club breached rules or whether there were administrative errors in the registration process.

Implications for bettors and market movement

Betting markets may react sharply while the investigation is active. Possible outcomes — such as a retroactive forfeit or points deduction — could lead bookmakers to void or settle bets differently, and odds on Lyon in European competitions may shorten or lengthen depending on perceived risk. Punters should exercise caution: avoid pre-match outrights and moneyline bets on Lyon in Europa League fixtures until UEFA reaches a conclusion, and prefer low-exposure or in-play markets if choosing to engage.

Next steps

The disciplinary investigation will continue and UEFA will announce any decisions when the process concludes. Clubs and punters alike will be watching for the ruling, which could set a precedent on administrative registration handling in UEFA competitions.

UEFA have launched an investigation after Rachid Ghezzal played for Lyon in the Europa League despite being ineligible.Ghezzal assisted Tanner Tessman

Talksport