Sevilla FC Manager Matías Almeyda Handed Seven-Game Ban

Sevilla FC head coach Matías Almeyda has been suspended for seven matches following his red card during last weekend’s La Liga draw with Deportivo Alavés.

The punishment, confirmed on Wednesday by the disciplinary committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, stems from a heated confrontation with referee Galech Apezteguia at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

Almeyda, 52, was dismissed after protesting a decision during the match. However, matters escalated when the Argentine marched onto the pitch and continued his protests for more than a minute, angrily remonstrating with the official in full view of players and supporters.

In a statement, the federation’s Competition Committee outlined the breakdown of the sanction. Almeyda received two matches for his protests, one for failing to leave the technical area after being sent off, three for what was described as an “attitude of contempt” towards match officials, and a further game for unsporting conduct.

The latter relates to his actions in the aftermath of the red card, including kicking a water bottle and confronting assistant referees.

The seven-game ban represents a significant blow to Sevilla at a delicate point in their season. The Andalusian side sit 13th in La Liga, just two points above the relegation zone, with 14 fixtures remaining. Almeyda is therefore set to miss half of the run-in unless the punishment is reduced on appeal.

Sevilla has already moved swiftly to challenge the ruling. The club submitted video evidence, which they believe contradicts aspects of the referee’s official report, and confirmed they will take the matter to the Appeals Committee. If necessary, they are prepared to escalate the case to the highest sporting legal bodies in Spain.

A statement from Sevilla read: “The club, after learning of the seven-game ban four our head coach from the Disciplinary Committee following his red card last weekend against Alavés, wish to state the following.

“Our total support to our head coach against a punishment we consider excessive.

“We share the regret and the apologies expressed by the coach himself after the match regarding his own reaction.

“That the club’s legal department will exhaust all available avenues to appeal what it considers an excessive sanction, both in terms of the number of matches imposed and the way the facts have been described.

“We respect the sporting legal authorities and their decisions, but will make use of all available tools to defend our legitimate rights and those of our coach.”