RFEF Bans Piqué, Andorra President Over Post-Match Threats After Albacete Loss

The Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee has imposed severe sanctions on FC Andorra following incidents after the club's 0-1 defeat to Albacete on Friday at the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp. Referee Alonso de Ena Wolf reported confrontations involving club officials and staff in the tunnel and parking areas, prompting expulsions and an annex to the match report detailing alleged threats and aggressive behaviour.

Club president Ferran Vilaseca received a four-month suspension for attempted aggression against match officials, as police intervened according to the referee's account. Majority shareholder Gerard Piqué, who exerts de facto directional functions despite no formal role, faces six matches and two months' ineligibility for threatening conduct and remarks undermining sporting dignity, including a reported comment in the stadium parking: that in another country referees might be assaulted, but Andorra is civilised. Sporting and general director Jaume Nogués also got six matches and two months' ineligibility for direct insults, with the committee citing an alleged wish for the referees to have a car accident—a claim the club denies. Delegate Cristian Lanzarote was banned for six matches and two months for repeated contempt and failing to de-escalate tensions.

The club itself faces a €1,500 fine and partial closure of the presidential box and VIP areas for two matches, due to repeated unauthorised access in restricted zones. Technical staff sanctions include two matches for goalkeeping coach Daniel Ortiz, and one each for head coach Carles Manso, kit man Jonathan Barreal, and physiotherapist Enrique Agudo, all ejected late in the game.

This marks the fifth such incident this season, with the committee describing the acts as violent and warning of potential three-point deduction for future reoffending. FC Andorra has disputed the referee's report as inaccurate, issued a statement demanding rectification, and plans to appeal the sanctions within the 10-day window. However, the Appeals Committee rejected the club's request for interim suspension of the stadium closure and fine, citing the need for a formal appeal first.

The penalties take effect immediately, impacting Sunday's home match against UD Las Palmas (14:00). Fitness coach Aitor Yeto will lead the bench, with Manso and others sidelined, and VIP areas unavailable. FC Andorra sit 10th with 55 points, aiming to exceed their record 59 from 2022-23 despite play-off hopes fading.