UEFA charges Nicklas Bendtner for sponsored underwear in Denmark v Portugal EURO Cup match

Bendtner charged for sponsored underwear

UEFA has charged Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner with improper conduct for revealing an unofficial sponsor's name on his underwear while celebrating a goal at the European Championship. against Portugal, when he flashed the waistband of his underpans showing an apparent sponsor.

Bendtner lifted his shirt and lowered his shorts slightly, revealing the name of a betting firm across the top of his briefs, after scoring his second goal in a 3-2 loss against Portugal on Wednesday.

European football's governing body said in a brief statement that Bendtner was facing disciplinary proceedings for "improper conduct (Law 4 of the Laws of the Game)" during Wednesday's UEFA Euro Cup 2012 match in Lviv, Ukraine, that Denmark lost 3-2 Portugal.

"The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with this case on Monday," the statement added.

Law 4, which covers "The players' equipment" states: "Players must not reveal undershirts which contain slogans or advertising. A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans will be sanctioned by the competition organiser.

Article 18.18 of the "Regulations of the UEFA European Football Championship 2010-12" also states: "All kit items worn during the final tournament must be free of any sponsor advertising."

UEFA is weighing disciplinary action for breaching rules that bar any sponsor advertising on players' kit at the European Championship.

Bendtner also flouted team policy as the Danish association has official ties to a rival British gambling company.

The waistband of Bendtner's green and white underwear had the name of a Dublin-based online betting firm. The company, Paddy Power, said on its website that they were "lucky pants".