PARIS — Former Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has won an appeal against his suspension by the French Football Federation.
On Tuesday, a French court annulled the ban, leaving Leonardo free to return to football.
Leonardo was handed a nine-month ban in May 2013 after he appeared to deliberately barge into referee Alexandre Castro following a 1-1 home draw. The suspension was later extended to June 30, 2014, after a failed appeal to the FFF.
The Brazilian saw his sentence provisionally lifted by the council of state in October, and the victory in the administrative court is likely to bring a definitive end to the process — although the FFF can still appeal.
Leonardo, who resigned from PSG in July, could decide to press charges against the FFF.
