Disciplinary Action in Leagues Cup
The disciplinary committee overseeing the Leagues Cup has imposed a suspension on a member of Inter Miami’s delegation, barring them from all technical areas for the remainder of the tournament. This decision follows an incident that occurred during a match against Atlas on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium, where it was reported that Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, was involved.
Incident Details
According to a statement from the committee, Cheuko entered restricted sections of the venue without the necessary credentials after the match concluded, which is considered a violation of tournament regulations. As a consequence, the committee announced:
“In accordance with the Leagues Cup 2025 Tournament Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee has suspended the individual involved from all technical areas for the remainder of Leagues Cup 2025 and issued an undisclosed fine to Inter Miami CF.”
Player Reactions
The incident escalated when Cheuko intervened during a conversation between players from Inter Miami and Atlas, reportedly making physical contact with players from the opposing team. Atlas defender Matheus Doria expressed concern about Cheuko’s actions during a press conference on Friday. He stated:
“We know our board handles these matters well. While I understand the need for security regarding Messi, the bodyguard does not have authority related to player interactions.”
Doria further mentioned:
“It’s not my place to comment extensively, but the authorities involved with the Leagues Cup have acknowledged the situation and will manage it appropriately. The priority should always be the safety of all players involved.”
Background on Cheuko’s Role
Adding to the backdrop, Cheuko had already been barred from accompanying Inter Miami on the sidelines during Major League Soccer matches. Nevertheless, he continued to serve in a security role for the club, ensuring the safety of its star player and team members.
