Real Madrid have suffered a major setback after the Spanish Football Federation’s Appeals Committee rejected their attempt to overturn Vinicius Junior’s four-match La Liga suspension.

The decision means the Brazilian forward faces a spell on the sidelines, including the first El Clasico against Barcelona on October 25. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported the latest development, confirming that Real Madrid’s appeal had failed.

The club now plans to challenge the punishment before Spain’s Administrative Sports Tribunal (TAD). Vinicius received the suspension following his red card during Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal on October 10.

The punishment covers four domestic league matches, leaving manager Jose Mourinho without one of his key attacking players during an important stretch of the season.

Real Madrid Appeal Fails as Vinicius Junior Suspension Stands

“Real Madrid appeal for Vini Jr’s 4-games ban in La Liga has been rejected,” Romano stated. “The Brazilian will miss the following games: vs Sevilla, vs Barcelona, vs Racing, vs Valencia. Real Madrid will now appeal to TAD court.”

The Appeals Committee upheld the original punishment after Real Madrid challenged the decision. The club argued that the sanction was excessive and sought to have it overturned or reduced.

However, the ruling leaves Vinicius facing the full four-match suspension unless a further appeal changes the outcome.

Why Vinicius Junior Received a Four-Game La Liga Ban

The incident happened during Real Madrid’s 1-0 home victory over Villarreal on October 10. Vinicius entered the match as a substitute in the 52nd minute and appeared to score a second goal for his team in the 73rd minute.

However, VAR reviewed the build-up and identified contact between Vinicius and Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba. The Brazilian had pulled the defender’s hair while the ball was not being contested.

Referee Isidro Diaz de Mera disallowed the goal and showed Vinicius a straight red card for violent conduct.

The Disciplinary Committee subsequently handed him a two-match suspension for the incident. It added another two matches because of his reaction to the referee’s decision. According to the referee’s report, Vinicius shouted, displayed an aggressive attitude and approached the official while teammates tried to restrain him.

The resulting four-game ban applies to La Liga matches only. Vinicius remains eligible to play in the Champions League while the domestic suspension runs its course.

Vinicius Junior to Miss El Clasico as Real Madrid Plan Another Appeal

The suspension rules Vinicius out of Real Madrid’s league matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia. His absence from the October 25 El Clasico at the Camp Nou represents a significant setback for Mourinho’s side.

Real Madrid expect Vinicius to return to domestic action after the November international break, when they face Celta Vigo. However, the club intends to pursue another legal challenge through Spain’s Administrative Sports Tribunal.

The TAD offers Real Madrid another route to contest the decision, although a different outcome is not guaranteed.

Mourinho has also criticised the handling of the disciplinary case. He questioned the timing of the initial announcement, which came hours before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Roma. The manager described the process as “shameless” and argued that the timing disrupted preparations for an important European fixture.

Vinicius also apologised after the Villarreal match. He wrote on social media, “Sorry to my team and the fans,” expressing regret for leaving his teammates with ten players.

With the Appeals Committee rejecting Real Madrid’s request, Vinicius Junior remains suspended for four La Liga matches. Unless the TAD intervenes, the Brazilian forward will miss the first El Clasico of the season as Real Madrid continue their fight to overturn the punishment.