The case revolves around an appeal by Club Villarreal CF against disciplinary sanctions imposed by UEFA for a delayed kick-off during the second half of a UEFA Europa League match on 8 April 2021. The delay of 2 minutes and 43 seconds was attributed to Villarreal CF and its coach, Unai Emery, for breaching Article 11(2)(h) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, which mandates adherence to match schedules. UEFA fined the club €10,000 and imposed a one-match suspension on the coach, deferred for a probationary period of one year. Villarreal CF argued that the delay was due to the stadium's layout, specifically the long distance between the away team dressing room and the pitch, as well as COVID-19 protocols requiring the home team to exit first to avoid crowding. However, UEFA rejected these arguments, emphasizing that logistical challenges and health measures do not excuse non-compliance with kick-off timings. The UEFA Appeals Body and later the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the sanctions, stating that punctuality is crucial for fairness, broadcasting, advertising, and organizational efficiency.
Villarreal CF's appeal to CAS included claims that the delay was unavoidable due to the stadium's design and the need to comply with UEFA's Return to Play Protocol (RTPP), which aimed to prevent congestion in technical areas during the pandemic. The club argued that the away team's dressing room was located farther from the pitch, requiring additional time, and that they had to wait for the home team to exit first. UEFA countered that the match schedule was clear and that Villarreal could have avoided the delay by exiting the dressing room on time. The CAS sole arbitrator found the facts of the late kick-off undisputed and concluded that Villarreal's conduct was unjustified. The arbitrator noted that the club had previously been sanctioned for a similar offense, which was considered an aggravating factor under UEFA regulations. The sanctions were deemed appropriate and proportionate, reinforcing the importance of strict adherence to match protocols.
The CAS dismissed Villarreal's appeal, upholding UEFA's decision and confirming the fines and suspended suspension. The ruling highlighted the coach's responsibility for ensuring the team's timely return to the pitch and the club's failure to meet its obligations. The case underscores the tension between enforcing competition rules and accommodating exceptional circumstances, such as pandemic-related protocols, while emphasizing the consequences of repeated violations. The decision serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with UEFA regulations and the broader implications for fairness and organizational requirements in professional football.