Barcelona could be expelled from this season’s Copa del Rey after they allegedly fielded an ineligible player.
Defender Juan Brandariz, who is better known as ‘Chumi’, started in Barca’s first leg tie at Levante last Thursday – a game the Catalan club lost 2-1.
However, Chumi, who was substituted for Clement Lenglet in the 58th minute, was subject to a suspension from the Spanish FA (RFEF) after receiving his fifth booking of the season in the Segunda B.
Barca did not realise he was given a yellow card against Castellon on the Sunday before the cup tie and could now face a pointless second leg clash at the Nou Camp if they end up being kicked out of the competition.
Real Madrid were disqualified in December 2015 when they played Russian winger Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz not realising he was suspended after picking up a ban while on loan at Villarreal.
Article 76 of the RFEF’s disciplinary code states: “To the club that sets an ineligible line-up with a footballer who does not comply with the regulations to be able to participate in a game, this will be given as a defeat, declaring the opponent the winner by a score of three goals to zero, unless the winning margin was greater.
“In the case of a knockout tie, it will be resolved in favour of the opponent.
However, according to El Mundo, Barcelona sources are launching a defence even though Real were thrown out after appealing in the Cheryshev case.
Barca’s defence is based on a memo entitled circular 28 which claims Chumi’s suspension was not applicable because he earned it through multiple yellow cards rather than a straight red. The case continues.