Dutch international faces suspension for using phone on the bench? There's even more absurd...

Written by Han Bing Dutch international Memphis Depay faces a suspension of 1-6 matches and a hefty fine for using a phone on the bench, a hot topic recently emerging in the Brazilian league. FIFA explicitly prohibits unauthorized use of electronic devices by personnel in the bench and technical area during matches. Typically, those caught using such devices receive only a verbal warning and must stop immediately. More severe penalties are only imposed after repeated warnings prove ineffective. Memphis is not the first player suspended for using a phone during a match, but he is certainly the highest-profile player penalized for this violation.

Depay's violation occurred during the Brazilian league match between Corinthians and Flamengo on March 22. He was substituted in the 22nd minute of the first half due to a right thigh injury. After showering in the locker room, he returned to the bench. In the final moments of stoppage time in the second half, television broadcast footage captured Depay on the bench talking on his phone for several minutes. Two Corinthians assistants immediately reminded him, with one demanding he put the phone away. Depay argued briefly before finally placing the phone in his pocket.

This incident sparked a huge controversy on Brazilian social media platforms. On one hand, Depay violated Brazilian law prohibiting athletes from using electronic devices within the stadium. On the other hand, fans felt this star, who earns the team's highest salary (14 million USD annually), showed disrespect to the team and fans by not focusing entirely on the match. On Monday, Depay explained on social media. He claimed he was only communicating with the Dutch national team medical staff to assess if his injury would rule him out of March's friendly matches. He emphasized his sufficient focus on the team: "I could have stayed in the locker room; returning to the bench was to support the team."

On March 26, Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) filed charges against Depay, accusing him of violating Article 258 of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code (CBJD): based on current FIFA Council and Brazilian Football Confederation rules, electronic communication devices for participants are restricted to tactical and medical purposes, and only authorized coaching staff may use them. The court deemed Depay's actions "violated the loyalty and disciplinary duties expected of an athlete, challenged referee authority and event organizers, and fostered negative individualism within the bench and coaching environment."

The court report stated: "The behavior of high-profile athletes carries strong influence and could normalize electronic device use on the bench. This would weaken disciplinary control, create opportunities for various improper communications, and make rule enforcement more difficult for referees and organizers." The court stressed that even if Depay's explanation were true, his actions lacked prior formal authorization and notification to event organizers, exceeding the常规 scope permitted in the match's "technical area." If found guilty, Depay will face a 1-6 match suspension and corresponding fines based on the severity of the violation.

Back in January 2015, Ukrainian player Kuzlenko was already suspended for using a phone during a match. He was playing a friendly for the third-tier Ukrainian team Novokakhovka Energy against the Premier League team Donetsk Olympic. Kuzlenko repeatedly took out a phone hidden in his shorts to make calls on the pitch. Afterwards, the Kyiv regional football association suspended him until the end of that preseason tournament. The referee Drachov was suspended for not stopping the violation during the match and failing to impose disciplinary action, and the assistant referee and fourth official were also suspended.

Even more absurdly, in June 2018, Brazilian goalkeeper Dos Santos was suspended for using a phone during a match, which was actually a club-sanctioned advertising stunt. During the match between Atlético Paranaense and Atlético Mineiro, Atlético Paranaense goalkeeper Dos Santos took out a phone to make a call. It was later confirmed as a marketing campaign by the club with ride-sharing company Uber to raise awareness about the dangers of using phones while driving. Dos Santos later told reporters: "I used a phone on the pitch, just like many people do every day in their cars. The only difference is that a traffic accident is much more dangerous than conceding a goal." Consequently, Dos Santos received a one-match suspension, and Atlético Paranaense club, which instructed the violation, was fined 50,000 Brazilian Reais (approximately 85,000 RMB).