The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has handed Robert Zulj, attacking midfielder of Buriram United, a four-match suspension and a US$2,000 fine following his red-card incident during the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 second-leg clash.
The Austrian playmaker was shown a straight red card after a dangerous challenge in which he stepped on Harrison Shillington of Melbourne City during the high-stakes encounter.
Following a review by the AFC Disciplinary Committee, Zulj received an additional three-match suspension, on top of the automatic one-match ban that accompanies a direct red card.
The decision was made in accordance with Article 38.2 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code, bringing the total suspension to four matches.
In addition to the ban, Zulj has also been fined US$2,000 (approximately RM8,062).
The suspension carries significant consequences for Buriram United’s continental campaign.
With the punishment in place, Zulj will miss all three matches of the Finals Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, the remaining match of the suspension will extend into the next continental season, meaning Zulj will also be ineligible for Buriram’s first match in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite campaign, should he remain with the Thai champions.
Credit Photo : AFC
