Barcelona defender Mapi Leon has been handed a two-match suspension in Liga F following an incident with Espanyol's Daniela Caracas during a February match.
The Spain international, who has 54 caps for her country, was accused of "violating the privacy" of the Colombia defender after appearing to touch her in the groin area whilst Espanyol were defending a corner kick.
The incident, which occurred on 10 February, sparked controversy after footage circulated widely on social media platforms.
Liga F confirmed to BBC Sport that Leon received the suspension "due to the incident with Daniela Caracas" but declined to make any further statement regarding the matter.
Barcelona defender Mapi Leon has been handed a two-match suspension in Liga F
PA
Espanyol were quick to express their "total discontent and condemnation" of the incident after the video went viral.
The footage appeared to show Leon making contact near Caracas's groin area during a set piece.
The controversial moment has drawn significant attention across Spanish football, with Liga F taking disciplinary action against the Barcelona defender.
Leon, 28, now faces the consequences of what officials deemed inappropriate conduct on the pitch.
The incident has added tension to the already fierce rivalry between the two Catalan clubs, with Espanyol's public statement highlighting the seriousness with which they viewed the matter.
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Leon has firmly denied the allegations, stating there was "no contact with her private parts" during the incident.
"At no time did I, nor was it my intention, infringe upon the intimacy of my fellow professional Daniela Caracas," she said in a statement.
Barcelona attempted to challenge the disciplinary action through an official appeal.
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Mapi Leon has firmly denied the allegations
PA
Their efforts proved unsuccessful, with Liga F upholding the original two-match suspension.
The Catalan club has not issued further comment following the rejection of their appeal.
The case has highlighted the scrutiny players face in the increasingly popular women's game, with incidents quickly amplified through social media.
Leon has already served the first match of her suspension, sitting out Barcelona's fixture against Atletico Madrid last weekend
.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Barcelona kadın futbol takımından Mapi León, Espanyol'un Kolombiyalı oyuncusu Daniela Caracas'ın cinsel organına dokunup "Penisin mi var?" diye sordu.
— BC Futbol (@bcfutboll) April 15, 2025
"Sportmenliğe aykırı davranış" ve "uygunsuz dokunuş" nedeniyle 2 Mapi León'a 2 maç men cezası verildi. pic.twitter.com/SipCcXtgzn
She will complete her ban by missing the upcoming crucial clash against title rivals Real Madrid.
The timing of the suspension could prove significant as Barcelona currently hold a four-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of Liga F.
With just five matches remaining in the season, Leon's absence for the Madrid fixture could potentially impact Barcelona's title defence.
The Catalans will be eager to maintain their lead at the summit as they approach the final stretch of the Liga F campaign.
