Wenger appeal rejected by Uefa

Arsene Wenger’s appeal against a two-match suspension has been rejected by Uefa and he will now be banned from the dugout for the start of Arsenal’s Champions League group stage campaign.

Wenger was originally given a one-game ban for the first leg of the Gunners’ play-off round tie against Udinese, following criticism of Swiss referee Massimo Busacca in the defeat to Barcelona last season.

However, he broke the terms of his ban by communicating with the bench and subsequently faced further Uefa action.

European football’s governing body handed down a fresh two-match suspension but Wenger claimed the rules were not fully clear and asked for a stay of execution as he appealed.

Uefa agreed to delay their disciplinary procedure and Wenger was allowed to coordinate proceedings from the dugout as Arsenal successfully came through the second leg of their tie against Udinese in Italy.

However, it has now been confirmed that Wenger’s appeal has been turned down by Uefa’s Appeals Body and the original decision from the Control and Disciplinary Body has been upheld.

Wenger will therefore not to able to take his place in the dugout when Arsenal visit Borussia Dortmundfor their opening Group F game next Tuesday.

He will also have to sit in the stands during the home game against Olympiakos on 28th September.

In addition to Wenger’s ban, Arsenal have been fined €10,000 for improper conduct by their officials during last month’s match against Udinese at Emirates Stadium.