Manchester City defender Rico Lewis has been handed a further two-match suspension at the FIFA Club World Cup, following a disciplinary ruling on the red card he received during City’s opening match against Wydad AC. The 20-year-old was sent off late in the game after his raised boot struck Wydad forward Samuel Obeng in the face—a challenge that did not prompt intervention from VAR at the time, but was later reviewed by FIFA’s disciplinary committee.
Initially, Lewis was expected to serve a standard one-match ban, which he already completed during City’s dominant 6-0 victory over Al Ain. However, the disciplinary body has now classified the incident as serious foul play, resulting in a total three-match suspension. This means the young full-back will be forced to sit out City’s final group stage match against Juventus, as well as the team’s upcoming round of 16 fixture.
Manchester City did appeal the decision, but FIFA upheld the extended suspension, citing Article 14, paragraph 1 (e) of its disciplinary code. The decision represents a blow to manager Pep Guardiola, who had hoped to have the promising defender available as the tournament progresses into more competitive stages.
City now turns their focus to the decisive group clash against Juventus, with both clubs level on points after two wins apiece. The match not only determines who tops Group G, but also revives a competitive rivalry. Historically, City have struggled against the Italian giants, winning just once in their previous seven encounters—a narrow 1-0 win dating back to 1976. Juventus claimed a 2-0 victory the last time the sides met during the Champions League group stages in the 2024–25 season.
Despite that history, Manchester City have looked formidable in this tournament so far, and will be eager to continue their momentum even without Lewis in the lineup. The suspension may open up opportunities for other squad players to step in, but Lewis’ absence will still be felt as the stakes rise in the knockout rounds.
