Barcelona coach Xavi has received a touchline ban for the upcoming La Liga matches following his red card in last weekend’s victory over Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano.
Xavi was dismissed by referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez after receiving two yellow cards. The first was for contesting a foul that he believed should have been awarded for a challenge on Ilay Gundogan, while the second was for dissent over a penalty not being given.
As per the decision from Spain’s football federation (RFEF) and its competitions committee, Xavi will be prohibited from the touchline for Barca’s next two fixtures – a home game against Las Palmas and an away match against Cadiz on 30 March and 13 April, respectively.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
However, Xavi will be allowed to be present in the technical area when Barcelona faces Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, as the suspension only applies to domestic fixtures.
Following the home leg against PSG on 16 April, Xavi will resume his active matchday role in time for the La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
With Real Madrid and Barcelona currently occupying the top two positions in La Liga, separated by eight points, the upcoming Clasico holds significant importance in potentially reigniting the title race or solidifying Real Madrid’s lead.
By the time Xavi completes his suspension, there will be only seven La Liga fixtures remaining, marking his final matches in charge as Barcelona head coach before his departure this summer.
Sporting director Deco has indicated that no definitive decisions have been made regarding the team’s leadership for next season, but dismissed speculations about Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as “pointless.”