Piqué causes a stir – and now faces a lengthy ban

Pique

Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has made negative headlines in Spain.

FC Andorra's owner drew criticism for his aggressive behaviour towards the match officials during his side's 0–1 loss to Albacete Balompié last week, according to a statement from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

According to the match report, Piqué has been found guilty of "minor violence against the referees", despite no physical contact. Referee Alonso De Ena Wolf's official report alleges that the 39-year-old verbally assaulted and threatened the officiating team.

"You'd better leave with an escort so that nothing happens to you. In another country, you'd be finished, but here in Andorra we are a civilised country," the 39-year-old is reported to have told the officials.

As a result, the Spanish Football Federation handed Piqué a six-match ban and prohibited him from all official football activities for two months for "obvious and public acts that undermine the dignity and decency of the sport". Sporting director Jaume Nogues received identical sanctions for making offensive remarks.

FC Andorra reserves the right to take legal action against the referee's decision.

FC Andorra has released a statement strongly rejecting the content of the referee's match report, asserting that "certain recorded aspects are neither truthful nor an accurate reflection of the events or comments exchanged during discussions between the referee and the club's representatives".

It demanded that the report be corrected and an accurate transcript provided, reserving the right to take legal action to protect its interests, good name and reputation.

In 2018, Piqué had purchased the heavily indebted club with the help of a holding company and subsequently appointed himself president. Andorra has competed in Spain's second division since 2025, currently sitting tenth with four matchdays remaining.