Football federation president Paul Philipp told RTL the indefinite ban on Rodrigues became unavoidable after what he called the player's "disappointing" refusal to engage in reconciliation efforts during June's international window.

The Luxembourg Football Federation (FLF) has indefinitely suspended Gerson Rodrigues from the men's national team, president Paul Philipp confirmed in an RTL interview. The decision, announced Tuesday, follows mounting criticism of the federation's handling of the player's disciplinary case.

Rodrigues' inclusion in June friendlies against Slovenia and Ireland sparked public backlash, coming just months after he received an 18-month suspended sentence for domestic violence. The FLF board had initially granted him a "second chance," but president Philipp acknowledged they underestimated the resulting "negative momentum."

Philipp revealed the federation had drafted a public apology for Rodrigues to sign during June's matches, hoping to demonstrate remorse. However, Rodrigues declined to sign it, which Philipp described as "really disappointing."

The suspension marks another setback for a national team plagued by recent controversies. The squad has faced multiple disciplinary issues, including coach Luc Holtz's feud with Maxime Chanot, the "exclusion" of Oli Thill, and Rodrigues' numerous escapades dating to his 2017 national team debut.

With World Cup qualifiers approaching, the FLF aims to refocus on sporting objectives. Rodrigues, who scored 23 international goals, will remain sidelined indefinitely.

Philipp emphasised that the suspension aims to restore stability ahead of Luxembourg's September fixtures, drawing parallels to their recent resolution of national coach Luc Holtz's impending departure after 15 years.

The Red Lions will face Northern Ireland at home on 4 September, followed by the second match against Slovakia at Stade de Luxembourg on 7 September.

Rodrigues, meanwhile, recently signed with a Thai football team.