Overview

• Antonio Rüdiger was handed a six-match suspension by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for throwing an object at and insulting a referee during the Copa del Rey final.
• The Real Madrid defender underwent knee surgery for a partial lateral meniscus tear, ruling him out for six to eight weeks and ending his club season.
• Rüdiger will miss Germany's Nations League Final Four in June, adding to the national team's growing list of defensive absences, including Kai Havertz and Nico Schlotterbeck.
• The German Football Association (DFB) criticized Rüdiger's behavior but opted not to impose further sanctions, keeping him in their plans for future matches.
• Rüdiger publicly apologized for his actions and expressed determination to recover quickly, aiming to return for upcoming major tournaments such as the Club World Cup.