The former coach of FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernández, has revealed a series of serious accusations against the club, stating that he has been prohibited from participating in Legends matches. This conflict arises from his dismissal in 2024 and has gained relevance following his withdrawal from a recent match in Seoul. According to Xavi, the decision was made by Alejandro Echevarría, a director close to president Joan Laporta.
The controversy behind the ban
Xavi had been called up to play with the Legends against Liverpool, but was withdrawn without prior notice. This is not an isolated case; he had also been excluded from another match in Miami. The communication regarding his exclusion came through Luis Sá, the event promoter and former collaborator of Deco. Although Xavi initially chose not to make a fuss about it, his disappointment is evident.
The former player's camp insists that the intention was to reunite the iconic midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets, which would have been a special attraction for fans. However, from the Barça offices, any type of ban against him is categorically denied. It is argued that Xavi remains an active part of the ex-players' collective and has participated in several recent matches.
Despite these claims, the discomfort between Xavi and Echevarría persists. In a recent interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi expressed his frustration towards the director and his decisions within the club. Since then, he has not played with the Legends again, further fueling speculation about a possible ban.
FC Barcelona has lamented this controversy and recalls the good disposition that Xavi has always shown in participating in these events. However, they emphasize that not all players can be included in every match due to logistical and economic limitations. The club also mentions that other ex-players like Iniesta have had similarly limited participation.
As this controversy unfolds, it becomes evident that there are underlying tensions between Xavi and some executive members of Barça. Their relationship deteriorated after his dismissal as coach, which left a sense of betrayal that is now resurfacing with these accusations.
As these events develop, it remains to be seen how this will affect the public image of both Xavi and FC Barcelona. Fans are hoping for clear answers regarding this internal conflict as the team continues to participate in international events with their legends.
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