By Andrew Warshaw
August 24 – Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has won a brief stay of execution from UEFA by being allowed on the touchline for the club’s potentially season-defining Champions League play-off second leg against Udinese later today.
European football’s governing body will now hear Wenger’s appeal against a two-match ban after the tie.
Wenger was sanctioned after being found guilty of contacting the Arsenal bench while serving a previous touchline ban during last week’s 1-0 first leg win against the Italians.
Arsenal were also fined €10,000 (£8,700/$14,300) for improper conduct but Wenger will now be able to direct his team in Italy.
Arsenal have already lost skipper Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri – regarded as their two most influential players – to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively and have taken one point from their first two league games.
Wenger is desperate to make Thursday’s Champions League group draw stage and will be relieved at UEFA’s reprieve.
A UEFA statement said: “The UEFA appeals body will not take a decision on the appeal lodged by Arsenal FC and Arsène Wenger until after Wednesday’s Udinese Calcio-Arsenal play-off game.”
“The UEFA Appeals Body has granted a stay of execution to the appeal lodged earlier today by Arsenal FC and their manager Arsène Wenger.
“The Appeals Body will take a decision in due time, but not before Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League game against Udinese Calcio in Italy on Wednesday.”
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