Real Madrid have opened an extraordinary disciplinary case against defender Raul Asencio after he was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in Gran Canaria.
Key Highlights
- DUI Conviction: Raul Asencio was fined €14,400 and handed an eight-month driving ban after being convicted of drink-driving.
- Real Madrid Investigation: The club has opened an “extraordinary disciplinary file” following the incident.
- Possible Sanctions: A serious or very serious offence could lead to salary suspension and significant fines under the La Liga-AFE agreement.
- Separate Legal Case: Asencio is also involved in a separate privacy-breach case, where reports indicate he could face up to two years in prison if convicted.
Real Madrid Open Disciplinary Case Against Asencio
News broke this week that Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio was apprehended at a breathalyser checkpoint in Gran Canaria on August 16 at 6:30 AM. He was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, with reports indicating his levels were significantly above the legal limit.
The incident resulted in a fast-track court case, with Asencio receiving a €14,400 fine and an eight-month suspension of his driving licence. Real Madrid have now begun their own internal disciplinary process, meaning the defender could face additional punishment from the club.
Real Madrid Consider Further Punishment
The club's leadership at Valdebebas has opened an “extraordinary disciplinary file” to assess Asencio's conduct. The potential punishment will depend on how the incident is classified under the collective agreement between La Liga and the AFE (Association of Spanish Footballers).
A serious offence could result in a salary suspension lasting between two and 10 days. If the incident is classified as a very serious offence, that suspension could increase to between 11 and 30 days. The agreement also allows fines of up to 25% of the first €100,000 of a player's monthly salary in cases classified as very serious.
Asencio's Position at Real Madrid
The disciplinary case comes at a difficult point in Asencio's career at the Santiago Bernabéu. The defender emerged from Real Madrid's academy and had previously been viewed as a promising option in central defence. However, he has since fallen further down the pecking order and is no longer considered one of the club's central defensive figures.
On-Pitch Decline and Transfer Stand-Off
His position was also reportedly complicated by his decision to remain at Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting that the situation affected the club's plans for further defensive recruitment. The latest incident now adds another off-field issue to an already difficult period for the 23-year-old.
A Separate Legal Case Remains
Asencio is also dealing with a separate legal case concerning an alleged breach of privacy and the alleged distribution of a private video involving a minor. Reports indicate that he could face up to two years in prison in connection with that case.
However, this remains separate from his recent drink-driving conviction and should not be treated as a conviction unless a court ultimately finds him guilty. With both his legal situation and standing within the Real Madrid squad under scrutiny, the defender faces an uncertain period ahead.
What Comes Next for Asencio?
For now, Real Madrid's disciplinary process will determine whether the club imposes additional sanctions following the DUI conviction. The outcome could have further implications for Asencio's role at the club, particularly given his reduced position within the defensive hierarchy.
After emerging as a promising academy graduate, the defender now faces a crucial period both on and off the pitch as Real Madrid decide how to respond to the latest incident.
