Lyon Coach Paulo Fonseca Suspended Nine Months for Confronting Referee

The LFP imposed the suspension after Fonseca's physical intimidation of an official during a Ligue 1 match, prompting Lyon to consider an appeal.

Paulo Fonseca, Lyon's head coach, has been suspended until November 30, 2025, for head-to-head intimidation of referee Benoît Millot during Lyon's match against Brest on March 2.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) deemed Fonseca's actions as a 'grave fault' and incompatible with his role as an educator and leader in football.
Fonseca's suspension applies to all domestic competitions, barring him from the bench, locker rooms, and other official matchday areas, with additional restrictions until mid-September.
Lyon criticized the severity of the sanction, calling it unprecedented and considering legal avenues for appeal while expressing support for Fonseca.
Despite the domestic suspension, Fonseca will remain eligible to coach in international competitions, including Lyon's upcoming Europa League match against FCSB.