Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao has received a three-match UEFA suspension following his dismissal during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on 4 October. Portuguese media reported on 30 October that the ban was issued for directing insulting and abusive language at the referee.
The red card came late in the Portugal Nations League fixture at the Estadio do Dragao. Norway had taken the lead through Kristoffer Ajer before goals from Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos secured the comeback victory for the hosts. Conceicao was sent off in the 86th minute after being shown two yellow cards for protests, a dismissal recorded in UEFA’s match centre.
Grounds for the Francisco Conceicao three-match ban
The incident reportedly continued as Conceicao left the pitch. According to a report from Portuguese news agency Lusa, which was carried by Observador and Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the winger got into an exchange with the fourth official and had to be moved away by members of Portugal’s team staff.
Lusa reported that it had seen a disciplinary document from the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body dated 9 October. That document confirmed the three-match punishment was imposed for insulting and abusive language aimed at the referee.
Which matches could Conceicao miss?
With the Francisco Conceicao suspension in place, the forward is set to miss Portugal’s final two Nations League group matches if the ruling stands. Portugal play Denmark in Braga on 14 November and face Wales in Cardiff on 17 November. He is also due to sit out the first leg of Portugal’s quarter-final in March 2027.
Portugal have already secured their spot in the last eight, meaning the ban will not affect their qualification. Even so, the decision could leave the national team without the Juventus winger for their closing group games and the opening leg of the knockout tie.
Portuguese Football Federation appeal plans
A Bola reported on 30 October that the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) intends to appeal UEFA’s decision. According to the report, Conceicao has been informed of the federation’s plan to challenge the punishment in an effort to have it reduced or overturned.
No outcome had been reported by 1 November. The suspension remains in effect unless UEFA changes its decision.
