Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have suspended Lionel Messi for two weeks over an unsanctioned visit to Saudi Arabia, multiple reports have confirmed.
The World Cup winner was reported to have travelled to the country with his family for holiday without authorisation from the French Ligue 1 side and subsequently missed the team’s training.
The action left the French club furious and has now decided to punish the player.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the suspension in a tweet on Monday evening, stating the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been immediately suspended from the first team.
Meanwhile, the player’s camp awaits an official communication from the club.
“Paris Saint-Germain have decided to suspend Lionel Messi with immediate effect for two weeks, sources confirm,” the journalist tweeted. “The suspension will take place now after Messi’s trip to Saudi NOT authorized by the club as per @RMCSport.”
“Messi’s side, still waiting on official communication,” said Fabrizio.
Messi’s sensational move to PSG has not necessarily been a good one – he has occasionally been subjected to boos from own fans and publicly criticised by the club’s ex-players who accused him of not doing enough for the club.
His two-year contract with PSG will expire at the end of the current season and has been tipped to make a move away from the France’s capital after negotiations slowed down between club and the player’s camp on a new contract.
