Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto, Chelsea
Credit: Imago / DAZN
Keith Hackett
Mon 30 June 2025 16:00, UK
Levi Colwill is likely to face punishment from FIFA following the Chelsea defender’s outburst against Benfica, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while players are guaranteed to disagree with decisions, the centre-back’s language was unprofessional.
Reece James handed Enzo Maresca‘s side the lead on Saturday, 28 June, firing home a smart free-kick before the game was suspended due to adverse weather conditions in North Carolina.
There were just minutes left on the clock, but with six minutes of added time, the Blues were eventually punished for not closing out the game, with Malo Gusto conceding a controversial penalty for handball.
Levi Colwill erupts at Benfica penalty decision
Colwill was absolutely distraught with the last-gasp VAR review, with Angel Di Maria tucking away the spot-kick in the fifth minute of added time, and he had some choice words for the referee beforehand.
Expert lip reader, Jeremy Freeman, revealed to the Daily Mail (29 June) that the 22-year-old launched into an expletive rant about the official’s decision, even calling Slavko Vincic a “disgrace”.
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Although the England international received a yellow card during extra time, his words at the time went unpunished, and Hackett now expects to see retrospective action from FIFA at the Club World Cup.
It remains to be seen exactly what the punishment could be, but with Chelsea’s exit-linked forward Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring in the 4-1 win, there are games he could potentially miss.
The West London club next face Estevao‘s Palmeiras in the quarter-finals of the competition on Saturday, 5 July, and if FIFA do take action, fans will be concerned their star centre-back could be missing.
Levi Colwill Chelsea
Levi Colwill could face retrospective action from FIFA. (Credit: Imago)
Keith Hackett expects FIFA to take action over Chelsea star’s comments
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “You may disagree with a referee, but you can’t use those words. I believe all referees at the tournament speak English, so they’ll understand what’s been said.
“There is a threshold that referees have, and that’s a variable, but I suspect if FIFA pick up on this incident, which they are likely to through the media, that player can expect a sanction.”
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett expects Levi Colwill to be punished.
The Blues’ next clash is in five days, leaving plenty of time for Maresca to prepare for the idea of playing without Colwill.
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