Liverpool Star May Face FA Disciplinary Action for IFAB Rule Breach During Title Celebrations
A Liverpool player may be subject to disciplinary measures by the English FA after reportedly violating a strict International Football Association Board (IFAB) rule during the team’s recent Premier League title celebrations.
Liverpool clinched their 20th top-flight title on Sunday with a dominant 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. Goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and an own goal by Destiny Udogie sealed the win.
Cody Gakpo, who scored Liverpool’s third goal in the 34th minute, celebrated by removing his shirt to reveal an undershirt bearing the words “I belong to Jesus”—a nod to Kaka’s iconic celebration from the 2006/07 season.
This act may result in punishment, as IFAB rules prohibit players from displaying any political, religious, or personal messages on their clothing or equipment. According to The Athletic, the FA may take action against Gakpo, citing IFAB’s regulations that such violations can lead to sanctions from the relevant football authorities.
Gakpo reportedly wore the same vest again after the match during Liverpool’s title celebrations. Earlier this season, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi avoided punishment after including a message on his rainbow armband, though the FA reminded the club about existing kit regulations.
IFAB Rule A4 explicitly bans messages on player gear that are political, religious, offensive, or ethically inappropriate, as well as advertising tobacco products.
