Barcelona spokesperson addresses the 'Chumi case'

Chumi played the reverse leg of the Copa del Rey clash against Levante under sanction. In Barcelona, they believe that no offence has been committed, and they have attempted to ask for understanding from the Spanish Football Federation. Yet there are legal precedents to address, something which Levante fully intend to do in the coming days. 

"We are surprised. We had no knowledge of this situation. We heard it from the press. We have done nothing underhand. We have analised the situation and drew the conclusion that the naming of Chumi in the Copa del Rey starting XI was fine. The Federation has not said anything to us," Vives explained. 

Vives then proceeded to talk to a variety of media outlets in order to clearly explain Barcelona's official stance on the matter: "The interesting thing is that people from the Federation give alternative contradictions when for us, they have not told us anything. What is logical, we have consulted the law and the situation of Chumi. We think that he has clearance to play in Segunda B. When taking into account last year's case, the sanction should be served in the competition within which it was given. From our point of view, this has been obeyed. But this is our viewpoint. Any other interpretation of the rule must be made on behalf of the alleged affected party. This is the principle of the law."

"It has been a week since the match was contested. It is strange that this emerges just hours before the return tie. A lot of time has passed to point out what happened. I'm surprised that it has come out now", the Barcelona spokesperson reiterated, when speaking to 'SER', 'GOL' and other outlets. 

"The Federation has told us that there were no appeals. Levante is free to make one if they see it appropriate to do so," he said, in repsonse to being told about their rivals' intent to submit a complaint.

 

January 17, 2019