What UEFA have said to Jude Bellingham after gesture in England's Euro 2024 win

UEFA have penned a letter to England's Jude Bellingham, seeking an explanation for his alleged X-rated gesture during the thrilling victory over Slovakia.

The governing body of European football has also reached out to the FA, demanding clarification regarding the actions of the superstar. Bellingham is currently under scrutiny for a 'potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct' following his last-minute equaliser against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen at Euro 2024 on Sunday night.

Photographs depict former Birmingham City star Bellingham seemingly making a gesture towards the Slovakian bench that involved cupping his privates. It is expected that UEFA will also reach out to everyone on the Slovakian bench to gather their account of the incident.

All parties implicated have been given a 72-hour window to respond. If charged with misconduct and found guilty, Bellingham could potentially face a fine or even a suspension.

However, FA chiefs are optimistic that the Real Madrid star will avoid a ban - and it's possible that any disciplinary action may not occur until after Euro 2024 concludes. Bellingham defended himself on social media, asserting that the controversial act was a joke directed at friends seated behind the Slovakian bench in the stands, reports the Daily Star.

Bellingham, 21, is set to reiterate his claims as he readies himself to answer UEFA's call for an explanation regarding the incident. Meanwhile, England manager Gareth Southgate is contemplating dropping Phil Foden for the crucial quarter-final match against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday.

Foden had a lacklustre performance in the extra time victory over Slovakia, leading to expectations that Southgate might give Cole Palmer his first start in the tournament.