Inter Miami’s Bodyguard Suspended for Leagues Cup Incident

Suspension Following Conduct After Match

The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee has announced a suspension for a member of Inter Miami’s delegation after an incident involving Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, during the recent match against Atlas. The sanction followed improper conduct displayed by Cheuko when he entered restricted areas post-game without an official event credential.

Details of the Incident

After the match on July 30 at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium, Cheuko reportedly entered the pitch to intervene in a discussion among players from both teams. His involvement escalated tensions, prompting the disciplinary committee to take swift action in line with the Leagues Cup 2025 Tournament Regulations. The committee issued a suspension from all technical areas for the remainder of the tournament and imposed an undisclosed fine on Inter Miami CF.

Reactions from Atlas Players

Atlas defender Matheus Doria addressed the situation during a recent news conference. He emphasized that Cheuko overstepped his bounds by participating in matters between players. "While I understand that Messi’s bodyguard is there to protect him from potential fan intrusions, he does not have authorization to be involved during player interactions," Doria stated.

Doria expressed confidence in the club’s leadership to handle the situation appropriately, asserting, "It’s essential that not only Messi is protected but also other players on the field. While there are necessary security measures in place, any overreach is unacceptable."

Previous Restrictions on Cheuko

This is not the first instance where Cheuko has faced restrictions. He has previously been banned by Inter Miami from sideline access during Major League Soccer matches, although he continues to be part of the team’s security operations.

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In summary, this incident highlights the fine line between player security and maintaining proper conduct within sporting events. As tensions rise, it’s crucial for teams and their staff to respect the boundaries set by league protocols. This case emphasizes the necessity of clear roles for security personnel, especially when high-profile players are involved.