Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a one-match touchline ban by Uefa, but he will not serve the ban in next month’s Champions League final.
It’s all a little confusing, so we’ve done our best to explain the situation below.
The kick-off of the first leg of the semi-final clash with Ajax at Tottenham’s new stadium was delayed. According to Sky Sports, when this happens the managers of both clubs are punished regardless of the circumstances.
Spurs have already fallen foul of this rule once this season. Managers are given a warning the first time it happens, and a touchline ban if it happens again.
So Pochettino has been handed a touchline ban because Tottenham have played a part in two delayed kick-offs this season, while Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag has only received a warning as the Dutch side are first-time offenders.
Following so far? Let’s continue.
The touchline ban threatened Pochettino’s appearance in the dugout for the Champions League final against Liverpool, a game being described as one of the biggest in Spurs’ history.
Thankfully, Uefa has deferred the ban for one year, meaning Pochettino will be on the touchline for the final.
It’s unclear when the Argentinian will actually serve his ban, but Tottenham fans will be more than grateful for the deference.
