FC Andorra owner Gerard Piqué has been heavily fined for his reaction to officials in recent weeks and will not be able to exercise his duties for the coming months. Piqué has repeatedly criticized referees in the Segunda, while also facing increasing fines.
Last Friday, an angry Piqué went after officials after a 1-0 home defeat to Albacete, with the decisive goal in the 86th minute by Jonathan Gómez. His complaints were included in the match report, according to Sport.
The 39-year-old former Barcelona and Spain defender has been hit with a significant sanction. He will not be able to attend Andorra's next six matches and has been suspended from his duties as president for two months. The club has been fined 1,500 euros and will face a partial stadium closure for the next two matches, limited to the presidential stand and VIP seats.
President Ferran Vilaseca has also been suspended for four months after attempting to punch an official in the parking lot after the match. Sporting director Jaume Noguera has received the same punishment as Piqué for breaching ethics and undermining the dignity of the sport. Match delegate Cristian Lanzarote has been given a three-match suspension and two months off duty, while four members of the technical staff have each received a one-match suspension. In the event of a repeat offence, the club will be deducted three points.
The defeat to Albacete has effectively ended Andorra's hopes of making the Segunda play-offs, with them now eight points behind sixth-placed Málaga CF with just four games remaining. The suspensions mean Piqué and Noguera will be out until next season unless Andorra reach the play-off final, which is also expected to have a significant impact on the club's summer plans. Andorra are currently 10th in the Segunda and have secured survival for next season.
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