RFEF Suspends FC Andorra Services Over Unpaid Coach Debts

FC Andorra has downplayed concerns over the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) suspension of its licensing services, pledging to settle outstanding debts to former coach Eder Sarabia next week and resolve the administrative block before the season opener against Ceuta.

The club, which faces restrictions on issuing or renewing player, coach, and staff licenses, insists the matter remains temporary and will not disrupt squad registrations. Officials clarified that while the RFEF halted license validation pending proof of payment, the club can still process documentation. They expect the federation to lift the measure immediately once €411,557.04 owed to Sarabia—currently at Elche—and €43,901.47 to his assistant Jon López are covered, following a 10 March ruling from Andorra's Superior Court of Justice. That decision overturned an earlier Batllia judgment and ordered full contract compensation after the pair's March 2024 dismissal during the relegation battle.

The RFEF enacted the 9 July resolution after FC Andorra failed to respond within a five-day grace period granted upon the coaches' legal claim. Club sources maintain the issue will conclude without impacting new signings or renewals for the current roster, ensuring all players—including summer additions—are enrolled in LaLiga ahead of the campaign start.

The restriction, described by the RFEF as an administrative step after exhausting sporting options, allows the existing squad to compete for now but threatens planning if prolonged. FC Andorra can pursue a judicial appeal.

On the pitch, the club continues preseason preparations. Goalkeeper Pau López is set to debut over 90 minutes in Friday's friendly against Nàstic de Tarragona at Nou Estadi Costa Daurada. Lautaro and Cerdà face doubts due to minor issues. The team recently beat Inter Escaldes 5-2 at Estadi Comunal, with goals from Álex Calvo, Uzkudun, Arón Rodrigo, Solozabal, and Nacho Quintana. Gerard Piqué, alongside residents Carles Puyol and Mauricio Pochettino, attended the match.

Transfer activity persists, including the €700,000 sale of Dani Villahermosa to Real Oviedo (plus €300,000 variables), the return of winger Arón Rodrigo from Huesca's youth setup, and Berto Rosas' loan to UD Logroñés.