In a significant development echoing through the soccer world, Yassine Cheuko, the prominent bodyguard of superstar Lionel Messi, has been officially suspended from the ongoing Leagues Cup tournament. This disciplinary action stems from an incident involving alleged improper conduct during a recent match, casting a spotlight on security protocols surrounding high-profile athletes in competitive sports environments.
The suspension follows an incident that occurred at the conclusion of the July 30 Inter Miami CF versus Club Atlas match, held at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium. Eyewitness accounts and official reports indicate a breach of established tournament regulations by a member of the club’s delegation, later identified as Cheuko.
According to the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee’s official announcement, the individual displayed “improper conduct” by entering restricted technical areas without the requisite official event credentials. This transgression violates the stringent rules designed to maintain order and security within the confines of the playing field and its immediate surroundings.
As a direct consequence of this breach, the disciplinary committee has ruled that Cheuko will be suspended from all technical areas for the remainder of the Leagues Cup 2025. Furthermore, Inter Miami CF has been issued an undisclosed fine, underscoring the severity with which such violations are treated by tournament organizers in the realm of professional soccer news.
The incident drew commentary from various stakeholders, including Atlas FC’s vice president of sports, Jose Riestra Doria. He acknowledged the protective role a bodyguard plays, particularly in deterring fan incursions, but also emphasized that such permission does not extend to interventions among players or unauthorized access to restricted zones.
Doria’s remarks highlighted the delicate balance between player safety and adherence to official regulations. He stressed that while protecting the physical integrity of players like Lionel Messi is paramount, it must be done within the established framework of tournament rules, and that the Leagues Cup board would appropriately address what is permissible and what is not regarding sports security.
Adding a layer of context to the situation, it was revealed that Cheuko had previously faced similar restrictions. He was reportedly banned by Inter Miami from being on the sidelines during Major League Soccer matches, despite remaining an integral part of the club’s broader security detail. This prior instance suggests a recurring issue concerning the boundaries of his role.
This event serves as a crucial reminder for all club delegations about the strict adherence required for tournament regulations and professional conduct, especially when operating in the highly scrutinized environment of major international soccer competitions. The emphasis on proper credentialing and respecting technical area boundaries is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring fairness for all participants.
