Andorran FA Moves HQ to Nou Estadi Ahead of Crucial Zaragoza Relegation Clash

The Andorran Football Federation (FAF) has begun relocating its headquarters this week from Escaldes-Engordany to the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp on Carrer de Vila, with around 20 staff expected to complete the move by next week. The stadium, operational since May last year, features expanded facilities including executive offices, employee spaces, a security control room with 86 cameras, a press room, mixed zone, and multipurpose areas for meetings and officials.

The relocation coincides with heightened activity at the venue, where FC Andorra faces Real Zaragoza on Sunday at 4:15pm in a crucial LaLiga Hypermotion relegation battle. Andorra sit 18th with 29 points, one above the drop zone after four straight defeats—three in league play, including last Friday's loss at Almería, and one in the Copa Catalunya to Barça Atlètic. Zaragoza languish penúltims on 24 points, five behind, and have won just once in their last 10 matches.

Coach Carles Manso rejected labelling the clash a "final," stressing 15 matches remain, but underlined its weight: both teams occupy the lower table, and victory would secure Andorra's head-to-head goal difference after their 3-1 away win at Zaragoza's modular Ibercaja stadium, which lacked a visitors' stand. Defending the side's possession-dominant style—league leaders in ball control, passes, and dribbles—Manso attributed lost points to "errors and moments of fragility," not the approach itself. "We generate chances and control the game, but we must compete harder in duels, stop counterattacks, and improve set pieces," he said. Home form remains a concern: just 14 of 36 points at Encamp, with no league win since December 20, followed by two draws and a loss. Manso called for fan backing to fill the stadium against a "historic superclub" whose position belies their potential, while the dressing room stays "aware, not broken."

Absences include suspended Thomas Carrique, plus injured Álex Calvo and Manu Nieto; Manso may switch to a three-centre-back setup, as trialled against Castelló, with probable starters like Yaako, Èdgar González, Molina, Yeray Cabanzón, and Cardona.

Zaragoza's Rubén Sellés, winless since January 10, demanded "urgency and unity" amid nine absences—Keidi Bare, Pomares, Guti, Moya, Bakis, Kodro, Saidu, Tachi, and Radovanovic—insisting no excuses. "We need robustness, solidity, and to fight for wins from the start."

Pre-match friction centred on tickets: FC Andorra offered 140 away-section seats at €50, restricted to nationals and residents for security—echoing past Espanyol games—prompting Zaragoza fan outrage online. The visitors' club, squad, and staff covered costs as a loyalty gesture, boosting demand. Fans attempted VPNs and proxies, but tickets sold out yesterday morning, showing "no upcoming events." A strong away following remains anticipated despite zero reciprocal tickets in the reverse fixture.