Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to avoid being banned by UEFA ahead of England's quarter-final meeting with Switzerland at Euro 2024. The 21-year-old was placed under investigation by the governing body due to his celebration after scoring a last-minute equaliser against Slovakia.
Bellingham was spotted moving his right hand from his face towards his groin before thrusting it back and forth while staring towards the sidelines. He later claimed that his gesture was an 'inside joke' between friends but it was investigated by UEFA regardless.
It has since been reported by Bild that UEFA will not suspend Bellingham in a huge boost to England's hopes at the Euros. He is expected to be handed a five-figure fine instead of a ban after Slovakia decided against taking the matter any further.
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UEFA have reportedly concluded that Bellingham's gesture was not directed at the Slovakia bench despite being an example of 'unsportsmanlike conduct'. It is said that a precedent was set when Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was only fined after making a similar gesture at the World Cup two years ago.
The ruling means that Bellingham will be available to play for England when they face Switzerland for a place in the semi-finals. Gareth Southgate's men have only scored four goals in four games at the Euros with the Real Madrid midfielder grabbing two of those.
Speaking after England's win over Slovakia after extra time, Bellingham said: "I think the performance was really good until their goal and even after. We had massive control of the game, always threatening in the final third, maybe just lacking the final touch to create big chances.
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"It's going to be important for us going forward, definitely. Look at who came on. We've won this game together. Not me, not Harry [Kane], not the individual moments. It's the likes of Ivan Toney, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka going to left-back.
"It's the sacrifice you make for the team and that's the energy we need to keep regardless of what goes on."
Bellingham could get the chance to shine in a new formation on Saturday, with England reportedly expected to switch to a back three. This could give him more freedom to roam as one of two attacking midfielders behind Kane, who will start as the lone striker.
