Pep Guardiola hits out at FIFA over Rico Lewis’ Club World Cup ban extension | OneFootball

Rico Lewis’ extended ban at the Club World Cup from FIFA has now seen Pep Guardiola passionately react on the matter to reporters.

The England international became the first Manchester City player to be dismissed for an on-field incident during the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025/26 season, after his tournament got off to a difficult start on matchday one.

With victory appearing more likely as City held a 2-0 advantage over Wydad AC in Philadelphia, a clean challenge from Rico Lewis saw the right-back’s follow through catch the face of Samuel Obeng leading to a straight red card from referee Ramon Abatti.

Manchester City officials opted not to appeal against the initial one-match ban that was issued to the versatile defender, and as such Lewis would sit out of the 6-0 win over Al Ain on matchday two, with Matheus Nunes taking on his role for the contest.

However, in the days that followed, it emerged that the 20-year-old had been given a further two-match ban by FIFA after a disciplinary committee ruled his tackle on Samuel Obeng as ‘serious foul play’.

An appeal from Manchester City on that particular decision to extend Lewis’ suspension would fail, and subsequently the star Academy graduate would be forced to miss out on the matchday three group stage clash with Juventus and the club’s last-16 match next week.

Speaking during his press conference ahead of the second of Rico Lewis’ three-match ban, Pep Guardiola was not only keen to defend his right-back’s attitude and approach towards the game, but also hit out at FIFA for ‘wanting to show how serious they are’.

“I didn’t have the honour to talk with [Pierluigi] Collina, on the reason why it’s two or three [games banned]. I’m pretty sure referees don’t know who is Rico [Lewis]. So, he’s the sweetest, and the kindest, and sometimes as a defender you have to say, ‘You have to be more aggressive’,” Guardiola said.

“It’s an action like it never has any intention, I know the image can pretend to be, but both [feet] are on the floor, and unfortunately touched a little bit the lips,” he added. “I know it can be apparently tough. But it’s Rico Lewis, right?”

Guardiola continued, “So I can imagine with another type of player, but it is what it is. If they make [it] three games, he has more time to rest, he can be more time on the beach, Rico, at home and rest, be with his girlfriend, and he will be back, hopefully, if we go through in the next games or during the season.

“But I know Rico, and never, never, never is his intention to hurt anyone and the history of him is there. But, if FIFA want to show how serious they are, OK! Accept the three games, and move forward.”

Manchester City will likely continue with Matheus Nunes as their right-back against Juventus on Thursday night, although it remains to be seen whether the club invests in the position during the weeks that remain of the ongoing summer market.

Tino Livramento is believed to be Hugo Viana’s number one target for the role, although there is a firm intention from the side of Newcastle United to retain their defender, amid his starring role for England’s Under-21 en route to the final of the European Championship.