The report says the tribunal suspended Víctor Gabriel, of Internacional, until Gabriel Pec is cleared to return to training. The sanction is reportedly capped at 180 days, but could end sooner if Pec receives medical approval.
The incident allegedly occurred during a Campeonato Brasileiro match on 22 July, when Pec suffered a fracture to his left tibia in a challenge involving the defender. Rather than impose only a fixed match ban, the tribunal reportedly judged that the seriousness of the injury required a punishment linked to the recovery period.
That approach places the focus on Pec’s rehabilitation, not simply on the number of fixtures Víctor Gabriel misses.
The ruling was reportedly not unanimous. One view favoured a conventional six-match suspension, while the majority backed the longer recovery-linked sanction.
That split matters. It underlines the difficult balance between punishing dangerous play and avoiding a disciplinary system entirely governed by how long an opponent takes to heal. A serious injury can change the consequences of one challenge, but medical recoveries rarely follow a precise schedule.
The decision is also reportedly subject to appeal, meaning the final outcome may still change.
Pec’s arrival at Cruzeiro had already carried significant expectations after his spell with LA Galaxy. Now, his return to training has become the key date in a case involving both clubs.
For Víctor Gabriel, the next step is likely to be an appeal and continued absence while the ruling stands. For Cruzeiro, the priority is Pec’s rehabilitation rather than the tribunal timetable.
The next storyline to watch is whether Pec receives clearance before the maximum suspension expires-and whether the appeal changes the terms of the punishment.