Enzo Fernandez Faces Six-Month Driving Ban and 12-Point Penalty Following Offences

Enzo Fernandez Faces Driving Ban: What You Need to Know

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has recently made headlines not for his performances on the pitch but for legal troubles off it. The Argentine international has been disqualified from driving following two significant driving offences, incurring both a ban and a fine.

Details of the Offences

Fernandez, 23, was guilty of failing to identify the driver of a Porsche Cayenne involved in two separate incidents. The first incident occurred on November 28, 2022, when a vehicle registered in his name was caught running a red light on Church Street, Llanelli. The second incident involved speeding on Carmarthen Road, Swansea on December 20, 2023. In both cases, South Wales Police and Dyfed-Powys Police attempted to contact Fernandez as the car's registered owner, but he failed to respond to their requests.

Court Rulings

Fernandez did not appear before Llanelli Magistrates' Court for sentencing, having been found guilty during two preceding hearings earlier in the year. The magistrates confirmed that the offences of failing to provide the identity of the driver had been established in his absence.

Penalties Imposed

• Fine: £3,020
• Breakdown of Costs:
• • £1,000 for the offence in Llanelli
• • £800 victim surcharge
• • £1,000 for the offence in Swansea
• • £110 in police costs for each offence

In addition to the financial penalties, Fernandez received a total of 12 penalty points on his driving license—six points for each offence. With nine existing penalty points for previous speeding violations, this has led to an automatic six-month driving ban effective from Wednesday.

Background on Enzo Fernandez

Fernandez's off-field issues come as a surprise, especially after he shone on an international stage by winning the World Cup with Argentina in December 2022. Soon after, he joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a British record transfer fee of £106.8 million from Benfica. Prior to his time in Lisbon, Fernandez had joined Benfica from Argentinian club River Plate in summer 2022 for an approximate fee of £8.8 million, marking his rapid rise in football.

Conclusion

Enzo Fernandez's current situation serves as a reminder of the responsibilities athletes have outside the pitch. While his talent is undeniable, it is crucial for public figures to be mindful of their actions, which can lead to repercussions. As fans, it remains to be seen how this will affect his performance and focus on the season ahead.