• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Elche launch official complaint against Barcelona over 'improper' selection of Gavi, could be stripped of points

Home> Football

Published 18:21 4 Apr 2023 GMT+1

Elche launch official complaint against Barcelona over 'improper' selection of Gavi, could be stripped of points

Gavi started the 4-0 win but Elche believe he is effectively an ineligible player and launched the complaint before the deadline.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Barcelona are the subject of an official complaint from La Liga side Elche following what they believe to be an "improper selection" of midfielder Gavi on Saturday.

La Liga leaders Barca ran out 4-0 winners, with Robert Lewandowski bagging a brace and Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres also getting in on the act.

Gavi registered an assist in an impressive performance away from home and was whistled by the home supporters at the Estadio Martinez Valero when he was substituted for Franck Kessie in the 68th minute.

But Elche are furious and with three minutes to spare before a deadline, launched a complaint over the fielding of the 18-year-old.

They are going off RFEF's (the Royal Spanish Football Federation) rule from article 141 stating players cannot "play again in the same season with a canceled license".

Their case is in relation to the registration of Gavi's contract at the Nou Camp. Over six months ago, Gavi put pen to paper on a deal until until 2026, with a €1 billion release clause inserted and the arrangement including him inheriting the iconic No.6 shirt previously worn by his manager Xavi Hernandez.

Advert

La Liga did not approve the registration because of salary regulations but Barca then sought a legal ruling which saw it overturned.

However, when the matter went to court, La Liga won the battle and an appeal from Barca was rejected - essentially meaning Gavi has returned to his youth contract.

Image: Gavi
Image: Gavi

He is no longer listed as a first-team player on the club's website and Elche believe he is effectively an ineligible player.

Advert

If the ruling goes against the Blaugrana, COPE reports they could risk being stripped of points and unable to play Gavi for the rest of the campaign.

However, SPORT say Barca are "very calm" over the situation as they are adamant approval from La Liga and the RFEF was confirmed on Friday prior to the game.

Still, the predicament is less than ideal for the Catalans as they must trim their wage bill so that the contract can be registered and valid by July 1.

Image: Alamy
Image: Alamy

Advert

Gavi could therefore be available on a free transfer in the summer and will have a queue of potential suitors.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Barcelona, La Liga, Gavi

Josh Lawless
Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and WWE. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has covered two WrestleMania events for SPORTbible.

X

@joshlawless_

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

5 mins ago
an hour ago
4 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • Getty
    5 mins ago

    FIFA Ref Makes History With Green Card In U20 World Cup Match

    The use of a green card is being trialed by FIFA, with one already used in the Under 20 World Cup tournament.

    Football
  • TNT Sports
    an hour ago

    TNT Sports Commentator Explains Why Celtic's goal vs Braga Was Disallowed

    Celtic's goal in the 2-0 defeat to Braga was disallowed after a VAR review.

    Football
  • Getty Images - From My Left/YouTube
    4 hours ago

    Ex-Man Utd Player Negotiated His Own Professional Contract Using ChatGPT

    He opened up on his methods during a recent podcast appearance.

    Football
  • John Nacion / Contributor via Getty
    5 hours ago

    FIFA To Approve Major Club World Cup Rule Change Impacting Premier League Clubs

    Football's governing body have announced a huge change for the 2029 edition.

    Football
  • Fans in hysterics after seeing what Gavi did in first 20 seconds of Barcelona return after 11-month absence
  • Raphinha raises official complaint to Barcelona over issue impacting Marcus Rashford and others
  • New Details of Marcus Rashford Rule Breach Emerge as Barcelona Star Dropped
  • Influencer, 30, Spotted Dating Lamine Yamal Issues Warning to Barcelona