FC Barcelona: Dispute Escalates - Spain Removes Yamal From Squad
A conflict between the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) and FC Barcelona has intensified, resulting in young forward Lamine Yamal being released from the Spanish national team squad.The move follows BarcelonaS decision to perform a “radiofrequency” medical procedure on Yamal to address ongoing discomfort in his pubic area, a procedure the RFEF claims was undertaken without their consultation.
The RFEF expressed “surprise and displeasure” in a statement, noting they learned of the invasive procedure at 1:47 p.m. on monday, November 10th – the day the national team’s training camp began. Due to a recommended recovery period of seven to ten days following the operation, the federation decided to withdraw Yamal from the squad.
Spain is scheduled to play World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia on Saturday and Turkey three days later.Despite winning their first four Group E games with a goal difference of 15-0, their qualification for the World Cup is not yet secured.
National team coach Luis de la Fuente stated, “This is not necessarily normal, I have never experienced a situation like this before. It surprised me, like everyone else.” barcelona, however, defended its actions, asserting the club’s right to prioritize the player’s well-being and seek treatment from its own medical staff.
This dispute builds on previous criticism from Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. In September, Flick voiced concerns over Yamal being called up to the national team while experiencing minor discomfort, and later returning to Barcelona in pain. He pointed out that in previous national team appearances, Yamal played 79 and 73 minutes respectively despite Spain being ahead by three goals in both matches, arguing that this did not demonstrate adequate player care.
Yamal recently played a key role in Barcelona’s 4-2 victory against Celta de Vigo on Sunday, scoring a goal despite the ongoing pubic area discomfort, and was only substituted late in the game.
