Sevilla threaten Barcelona over non-EU players

There’s a bit of niggle ahead of kick-off

Sevilla are really not happy about the Supercopa de Espana. First they registered a complaint about it being a one-off match. Now they’ve hit out at Barcelona over their non-EU players.

The RFEF confirmed on Saturday there are no restrictions on non-EU players, so both teams can field as many as they like.

It’s a decision that has not gone down well with Sevilla who took to Twitter to let their feelings be known.

The Club's legal department is studying the matter and should FC Barcelona submit a team with more than three non-EU players, it would present possible ground for the filing of a complaint on account of an improper line-up.

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) August 11, 2018

Barcelona have named four non-EU players in their squad: Arturo Vidal, Malcom, Arthur and Marlon Santos, although it seems highly unlikely the latter will feature.

Philippe Coutinho has also been occupying a non-EU spot, but it’s been reported this week that he has gained a Portuguese passport thus freeing up a place.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde was asked about the situation in his pre-match press conference. He appeared pretty unimpressed about the whole thing.

“As for the Supercopa not being a professional competition, I do not know what to tell you,” he said.

”I think that Sevilla are professionals and we are professionals.

”With all the trouble we have had this week with non-EU squad members, they could have warned us before.”

Source | Marca

The game kicks off tonight at the Stade Ibn-Batouta in Tangier, Morocco at 9pm local time.

Source: barcablaugranes.com