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Barcelona Bars Xavi From Legends Matches

Reports say the exclusion follows Xavi’s public criticism of president Joan Laporta and his endorsement of rival Victor Font and highlights internal gatekeeping at the member-run club.

Overview

  • Multiple Spanish outlets reported on Thursday that Barcelona has effectively blocked Xavi Hernández from recent Barça Legends call-ups and exhibition matches.
  • The exclusion is reported to stem from Xavi’s public accusations against Laporta and his endorsement of Victor Font during the presidential campaign.
  • Sources identify Alejandro Echevarría, a close Laporta ally who oversees Legends selections, as the actor behind the decision that kept Xavi out of Miami and Seoul rosters.
  • The club has not issued a verified formal ban notice, and some outlets describe the measure as temporary and potentially reversible over time.
  • The dispute matters to the club’s 140,000-plus socios because it links sporting legacy and personal influence to election politics and could shape member sentiment ahead of future votes.