Barcelona’s attempt to overturn Hansi Flick’s red card has failed, meaning the German coach will miss this weekend’s El Clásico clash against Real Madrid.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rejected the Catalan club’s appeal, confirming on Tuesday that the suspension and fines would stand.
Flick was dismissed during Barcelona’s tense 2-1 win over Girona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where he received two yellow cards in quick succession after furious protests on the touchline.
Club president Joan Laporta had pushed for leniency, calling the expulsion excessive and unmerited. But the RFEF Disciplinary Committee disagreed, insisting that Barça provided “no evidence” to justify its cancellation request.
In its ruling, the Committee stated that “it is appropriate to dismiss the request to nullify the double booking that is the subject of this appeal.”
It added that Flick’s suspension falls squarely under Article 120 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, accompanied by fines in line with Article 52.
The decision effectively sidelines the 59-year-old German tactician for Sunday’s showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu — one of the season’s most anticipated matches.
Marcus Sorg to Lead Barcelona at Bernabéu
With Flick barred from the dugout, assistant coach Marcus Sorg will take charge of the team in what could prove a defining early battle in the La Liga title race.
Barcelona currently sit near the top of the table, with Real Madrid leading by a narrow margin. Sunday’s clash could determine early momentum in a season already packed with high drama.
For Flick, the suspension is a setback in his bid to stabilise Barcelona’s form amid growing pressure to deliver results.
Can his assistant’s leadership keep the club’s momentum alive at the Bernabéu?
