Blow for Man City: the English club loses Rico Lewis for three matches in the Club World Cup
Manchester City will be without promising full-back Rico Lewis for the next three matches of the FIFA Club World Cup following his controversial red card in the team’s opening win over Wydad Casablanca.
FIFA handed down the suspension after Lewis received a straight red for a late challenge in the final minutes of the match an incident that has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
What Happened?
The red card came in the 87th minute, with City leading 2–0. Lewis went in for a sliding tackle to contest the ball but ended up clipping Wydad striker Samuel Obeng in the face with his boot. Although the challenge looked unintentional, the referee showed no hesitation in sending Lewis off.
Obeng received treatment but was able to continue playing.
- The foul came after VAR review, confirming the decision.
- Lewis showed remorse immediately, but the damage was done.
Pep Guardiola Not Happy with the Decision
After the final whistle, Pep Guardiola approached referee Ramon Abatti Abel to express his concern. While he avoided harsh words in the press conference, sources close to the team say the City manager was visibly frustrated by what he considered a harsh punishment.
“It was not intentional. Rico is a smart player it was just an unfortunate moment,” Guardiola reportedly told team staff post-match.
What the Suspension Means
The three-match ban will sideline Lewis for:
- The group-stage decider against Juventus (Thursday)
- The Round of 16
- A potential quarter-final or semi-final, depending on City’s progress
This is a significant loss, as the 19-year-old has become a trusted option in Guardiola’s rotation, showing maturity beyond his age. In his absence, Kyle Walker is expected to step back into the starting lineup.
Man City Still Focused on the Prize
Despite the setback, Manchester City remains one of the favorites to lift the Club World Cup trophy a title that has eluded them under Guardiola. A win over Juventus would secure top spot in Group G and set up a clash with the runner-up of Group H, still being contested by Real Madrid, RB Salzburg, and Al-Hilal.
