Sporting CP futsal captain Alex Merlim suspended

Alex Merlim, the captain of Sporting CP's futsal team, has been handed a one-game suspension by the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).

The sanction stems from an incident on March 22 during a sub-13 district futsal match in Lisbon, where Merlim was spectating his son's game. According to the FPF, Merlim made physical contact by brushing his shoulder against the referee and directed profanities toward him following a player's expulsion.

The disciplinary body ruled that Merlim violated regulations regarding threats and offenses against honor, dignity, or consideration. Because the competition was organized by the FPF, the player was subject to the federation's disciplinary authority.