UEFA penalizes Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski over anti-doping rules after Barcelona’s Champions League exit

On Friday, UEFA announced that Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski had been sanctioned for a significant breach of anti-doping rules that occurred during Barcelona’s most recent match in the 2024–25 Champions League.

During the past season, Barcelona came close to completing a perfect year. They won all three domestic titles—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—and were serious contenders in Europe. Their Champions League run was ended by Inter Milan, who defeated them 7–6 on aggregate in a thrilling semifinal series. The second leg was played in Italy on May 6 and was decided by a dramatic extra-time goal from Davide Frattesi.

Following the final whistle, Barcelona’s players made a costly mistake. Yamal and Lewandowski had been selected for post-match anti-doping testing, but they failed to report immediately as required by the competition’s regulations. As a result, UEFA announced that both players will be fined €5,000 each for violating the Anti-Doping Regulations.

Although the fine is substantial, it’s clear neither Lamine nor Robert will have trouble covering the cost. Lewandowski is Barcelona’s highest-paid player, earning €33.3 million per year (around $40 million), while Yamal ranks third. After signing a new deal this summer, the young Spanish winger now makes €15 million per season.

Other sanctions for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski weren’t the only ones at Barcelona who received disciplinary action. Head coach Hansi Flick and his assistant Marcus Song were also sanctioned for what UEFA described as “a breach of the general principles of conduct” and “a violation of basic rules of decent behavior.”

Both coaches were fined €20,000 and will be banned from the touchline for Barcelona’s first international match of the 2025–26 season, which is set to be their Champions League opener.

Additionally, Barcelona were hit with two more fines for fan-related infractions during the match against Inter Milan in Italy. The first, for €5,250, was due to objects thrown from the stands onto the field. The second, totaling €2,500, was for the use of fireworks during the game.

When does Barcelona’s season begin?

This Sunday, Barcelona will face Italy’s Como in the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy, their final tune-up under head coach Hansi Flick before the start of the official 2025–26 campaign. They’ll kick off La Liga on Saturday, August 16, against Mallorca at Son Moix, though UEFA’s Champions League schedule has yet to be finalized.