Sevilla head coach Matías Almeyda has been banned for seven matches by the Spanish Football Federation’s Competition Committee following his red card and subsequent confrontation with the referee during last weekend’s La Liga match against Deportivo Alavés.
The 52-year-old Argentine was sent off in the 88th minute of the 1-1 draw at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026, after vehemently protesting a non-awarded penalty and then approaching fourth official Guillermo Cuadra Fernández in an aggressive manner. Television footage showed Almeyda pushing the official and shouting in his face before being restrained by Sevilla staff and security.
In its official resolution published on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Competition Committee classified Almeyda’s actions under Article 117 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Disciplinary Code, which covers “serious disrespect or aggression towards match officials.” The committee imposed the maximum penalty of seven matches for what it described as “aggressive and repeated verbal and physical conduct toward the fourth official,” aggravated by the fact that the incident occurred in full view of spectators and cameras.
The suspension means Almeyda will miss:
La Liga matches against Real Madrid (away), Girona (home), Athletic Bilbao (away), Villarreal (home), Celta Vigo (away), Rayo Vallecano (home), and Mallorca (away).
Any Copa del Rey fixtures that Sevilla may play during this period (the club is still in the competition).
Assistant coach Lucas Alcaraz will take charge of the first team for these games, with Sevilla’s next fixture scheduled against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Almeyda, who took over as Sevilla coach in November 2025 following the dismissal of García Pimienta, issued a brief statement through the club acknowledging the sanction: “I accept the committee’s decision and regret the incident. My only intention was to defend my players and the club. I will serve the suspension and continue working to help the team from outside the touchline.”
The Argentine tactician, previously in charge of AEK Athens, San Jose Earthquakes, and Racing Club, has been known for his passionate sideline demeanor throughout his managerial career. This is his second major suspension in La Liga since arriving in Spain; he previously received a four-match ban while at AEK Athens in 2023 for similar conduct.
Sevilla currently sit 11th in the La Liga table with 31 points from 24 matches, having lost only one of their last six games under Almeyda. The club expressed support for the coach and confirmed it would not appeal the sanction, stating the focus remains on the upcoming challenging run of fixtures.
The incident has reignited debate in Spanish football about the treatment of coaches who confront officials and the consistency of disciplinary sanctions. Several managers and former players, including Diego Simeone and Andoni Iraola, have publicly called for clearer guidelines on acceptable touchline behavior, while refereeing bodies have defended the severity of the punishment as necessary to protect match officials.
Almeyda will serve the first match of his ban this weekend and will not be permitted to enter the stadium or communicate directly with the bench during matches until the suspension expires.
