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Harri Burton

Tue 12 August 2025 13:32, UK

FIFA’s decision regarding Luis Enrique’s punishment for hitting out at Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has left Keith Hackett stunned.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the governing body has sent the “wrong message” after failing to properly sanction the PSG manager’s actions.

Enzo Maresca‘s side defied the odds when lifting the Club World Cup title in America last month, only losing to Flamengo on their journey to the final before facing the Champions League winners.

Following Cole Palmer‘s brace and another goal from Pedro, the Blues sealed a 3-0 win at the MetLife Stadium, and Enrique was clearly not happy with the latter star after the full-time whistle.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Hackett expected FIFA to charge Enrique for his actions on Pedro, but it has now been revealed that he has not even been given a touchline ban ahead of PSG’s Super Cup clash with Tottenham on Wednesday, 13 August.

Joao Neves was also tipped for an extended ban, receiving a red card for pulling on Marc Cucurella’s hair in the same game, so it seems there is certainly a discipline problem that stems from the manager.

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Spurs’ Thomas Frank will be the next manager to go up against the Spaniard in the dugout, though many would have expected him to be banned from doing so by FIFA.

Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about UEFA’s decision, saying: “I find it amazing that no action has been taken against Enrique for his slap, which, of course, is a violent act.

“Football does itself no favours when it takes no action.

It sends the wrong message to football around the world.”

PSG will now take on Spurs in the Super Cup final at the Bluenergy Stadium on Wednesday, 13 August, with both managers in attendance.

The Lilywhites head into the game off the back of a poor pre-season, but after lifting the Europa League title in May, Frank’s side will give everything to claim victory.

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