(NLĐO) – England is set to face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals at 11 PM on July 6, with Jude Bellingham under UEFA investigation for his unsportsmanlike celebration against Slovakia.

Jude Bellingham and four of his teammates risk missing England’s potential semi-final match at Euro 2024. UEFA is currently investigating Bellingham’s inappropriate celebration following his equalizer in the 95th minute of their Round of 16 clash with Slovakia. Even if the English midfielder avoids a ban, he must be cautious as the Three Lions take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Bellingham, 21, received a yellow card in the match against Slovakia, and another booking on the night of July 6 would result in a one-match suspension. The Real Madrid star is not alone in facing this predicament; four other England players have also been booked once.

Right-back Kieran Trippier and forward Phil Foden were both booked in the match against Slovenia, while midfielder Conor Gallagher received a yellow card in the 1-1 draw with Denmark. Last weekend, both Bellingham and his midfield teammate Kobbie Mainoo were cautioned in the first half.

Marc Guehi violated UEFA rules after receiving a yellow card in the third minute of the dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia, following Bellingham’s goal and Harry Kane’s extra-time header. Guehi was also booked in England’s final group stage match against Slovenia, putting his position under scrutiny by manager Gareth Southgate and his staff.

If Bellingham and his teammates avoid further bookings, their previous yellow cards will be wiped clean. UEFA will reset the yellow card count after the quarter-finals, meaning the only way a player could miss the final is by receiving a red card in the semi-finals.

France faces a similar situation before their quarter-final match against Portugal. Midfielder Rabiot is suspended due to accumulating two yellow cards, while four key players – Mbappe, Griezmann, Dembele, and Tchouameni – are each on one yellow card.

Portugal has two key players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo, each carrying a yellow card, along with three other squad members.

In the meantime, Bellingham has been asked to write a letter to UEFA explaining his rude gesture towards Slovakia, which he claims was an inside joke with close friends present at the stadium. After scoring with a stunning volley, the 21-year-old placed his hand on his crotch as he walked past the Slovakia bench.

UEFA stated: “[We] will conduct a disciplinary investigation concerning a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by English Football Association player Jude Bellingham, which allegedly occurred during the match. Information on this matter will be announced in due course.”

Penalties for ethical violations include warnings, reprimands, fines up to €100,000 (£84,000), and suspensions for specific matches. Bellingham has started all four of England’s matches so far, and manager Southgate will be keen to keep him out of trouble.