Memphis Depay is facing a potential suspension of up to six matches after being caught on camera using his mobile phone while seated on the substitutes' bench during Corinthians' Brazilian top-flight encounter with Flamengo.
The 32-year-old former Manchester United star has been charged by Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice under Article 258 of the country's sports code, which penalises conduct deemed contrary to sporting ethics.
Television footage from Sunday's 1-1 draw captured the Netherlands international on his device before a member of Corinthians' coaching staff intervened, prompting him to pocket the phone.
The charge alleges that Depay's actions breach an athlete's obligations regarding loyalty and discipline.
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According to a complaint reportedly obtained by Brazilian outlet UOL, the disciplinary body argues that a prominent player's behaviour carries significant influence and risks normalising electronic device usage on the bench.
The complaint stated: "The conduct of a high-profile athlete has a strong capacity to influence behavior, potentially normalizing the use of electronic devices on the bench, which would weaken disciplinary control, create opportunities for improper communication, and generate additional difficulties for referees and organizers in enforcing the rules."
Should Depay be found guilty, he faces a ban ranging from one to six games.
Memphis Depay is a key player for Brazilian side Corinthians
|GETTY
The incident occurred after the Dutch forward was withdrawn from the match in the 22nd minute with a reported thigh problem.
Depay took to social media platform X following the match to offer his explanation for the incident.
"Just to clarify, my moment with the phone was to communicate with the medical staff in the Netherlands at that moment," he wrote.
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The forward, who holds the record as the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer, maintained he chose to remain pitchside rather than retreating to the dressing room despite his injury.
"I came outside to show support to my team while I could've stayed inside the dressing room with the injury," he added.
"I'm upset with the result of the game as well. We keep working for better days."
Depay had already been managing a knee injury prior to the Flamengo fixture but remained in Ronald Koeman's squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Norway and Ecuador.
However, the Netherlands manager expressed doubt on Tuesday about the forward's participation this month.
Memphis Depay is the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer
|GETTY
"He might still join us, but it doesn't look good," Koeman said.
"We might bring him in later, perhaps for the second match. But if that's not feasible, then there's no need."
The attacker arrived at Corinthians in September 2024 following his departure from Atletico Madrid, having previously represented Lyon and Barcelona after his Old Trafford stint.
His time in Brazil has proven productive, with 20 goals and 15 assists accumulated across 77 appearances for the São Paulo club.