In the world of football, high-stakes finals often bring high tempers — and last month’s Club World Cup showdown between PSG and Chelsea was no exception.
But in a twist that’s raised eyebrows, PSG boss Luis Enrique will be free to take his place on the touchline for the UEFA Super Cup, despite his apparent “slap” on Joao Pedro during the fiery finale.
UEFA Super Cup Business as Usual for PSG Boss
FIFA had opened an investigation into the late-game altercation that unfolded after the tense final whistle in Italy.
Cameras appeared to capture Enrique making contact with Pedro’s face — an action many described as a slap — before the Chelsea striker dropped to the ground.
Yet, despite the optics, no ban or punishment has been issued.
That means Enrique will be right where he usually is, barking instructions from his technical area, when Champions League winners PSG face Europa League champions Tottenham on Wednesday night.
Flashpoint in a Match Full of Drama
The so-called “slap” wasn’t the only controversy from the match.
Earlier, Joao Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair, a bizarre moment that added fuel to an already simmering rivalry. When the final whistle blew, things boiled over.
Players and staff from both sides clashed in a heated melee, with Enrique stepping into the fray — though his role is now a matter of perspective.
Enrique’s Version: A Peacekeeper, Not an Aggressor
Enrique insists his actions have been misinterpreted.
“At the end of the match, there is a lot of tension,” he explained. “I was trying to prevent my players from escalating things.
In situations like that, there’s pushing and shoving from everyone.
It’s not ideal, but it’s the result of the match’s tension.”
The PSG manager stressed that the incident was nothing more than a byproduct of competitive heat and had “nothing more to add.”
Pedro Plays It Down
Joao Pedro, for his part, wasn’t looking to stoke the flames after the match.
“We’re world champions and that’s what matters,” he said calmly.
“At the end of the day, it’s normal — both teams wanted to win, and things like that happen. It’s all part of it.”
With both men brushing off the incident, it seems football’s governing body has decided to do the same — clearing the way for Enrique to focus on lifting another trophy this week.