Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been cleared to take his place on the touchline for next week’s Champions League opener against Newcastle United after successfully appealing a one-match suspension that initially threatened to leave him on the sidelines.
The German manager and his assistant Marcus Sorg had been handed one-game bans by UEFA for their conduct during last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan, where Barcelona was knocked out in extra-time in a dramatic 4-3 defeat.
Softfootball understands that UEFA has partially upheld the appeal, meaning Flick and Sorg will be on the bench at St. James’ Park. Both remain under a one-year “monitoring” period, during which any further violations could reactivate the suspended ban.
According to a post on Fabrizio Romano Facebook page, Hansi Flick will be allowed on the touchline for Barcelona’s clash with Newcastle after UEFA overturned its initial sanction against him. The post reads:
BREAKING: Hansi Flick will be able to be present on the sidelines for Barcelona-Newcastle.
UEFA have OVERTURNED their decision against his sanction, says Mundo Deportivo.
The decision is huge for Barca, who begin their European campaign against a resurgent Newcastle side. Flick’s presence on the touchline is important for his tactical management in what promises to be a demanding league phase of the competition.
The German coach has been tasked with restoring Barca’s European pedigree after several painful eliminations in recent years. His availability ensures continuity in leadership at a time when Barcelona are eager to bounce back from a frustrating 1-1 La Liga draw with Rayo Vallecano and maintain focus on reclaiming continental success.
The ban stemmed from UEFA’s charge that Flick and Sorg had breached the governing body’s principles of conduct during last season’s semi-final tie against Inter, having angrily protested and criticised the referee’s decisions.
While the suspension has been lifted, both coaches remain under probation for 12 months, meaning any further incident could lead to reinstatement of the punishment alongside fresh sanctions.
