Personal Matter or Cup Fever?

After telling his Major League Soccer team that he was leaving to handle a personal matter at home, midfielder Youri Djorkaeff went to Germany to attend France’s stunning victory Saturday over Brazil in the World Cup.

“We were told by Youri on Thursday that he had to leave the team and attend to an unexpected, serious family matter in France,” the New York Red Bulls said in a statement.

“As with any player in a situation like this, we granted his request with the understanding that he would rejoin the club immediately after the personal matter was resolved. At no point did Youri state that part of his trip was to attend the World Cup game between France and Brazil or that he had any ill feeling toward the organization.”

The team said it would address the situation as soon as possible.