DFB reject appeal against Otele suspension

The Sports Court of the German Football Association (DFB) has rejected Philip Otele’s appeal to reduce his suspension from the original two-game ruling, following in-person discussions at the DFB-Campus in Frankfurt.

Otele was dismissed from the pitch on Saturday (18th April) by referee Dr. Florian Exner in the 79th minute of the Bundesliga game away at SV Werder Bremen. He was subsequently handed a two-match league ban on 21st April, following charges brought by the DFB Control Committee and a single-judge ruling for serious foul play against an opponent. Hamburger SV lodged an appeal against the decision and travelled to Frankfurt today (Friday, 24th April) with the player, along with sporting director Claus Costa and Dr Philipp Winter (director of legal matters & organisation).

Philip Otele joined the Rothosen on loan in the winter transfer window, moving from FC Basel. He has so far made nine competitive appearances (one goal, one assist) for HSV.