Barcelona is focused on renewing the contract of their star player while facing the consequences of their fans being banned from an upcoming Champions League match due to incidents of racism. This dual challenge highlights the club’s commitment to retaining top talent while addressing off-field issues that impact their reputation and fan engagement. With a proactive approach to contract negotiations, the club aims to solidify its future on the pitch amid the ongoing scrutiny surrounding its supporters’ behavior.
Barcelona Aims to Renew the Contract of Their Star Player
FC Barcelona is on a remarkable streak despite their loss to AS Monaco in the Champions League. In the league, they appear unbeatable, having won all seven of their matches, while Hansi Flick’s squad remains unaffected by off-field injury problems.
Raphinha is a player who has significantly revived his career at Barcelona. Now in his third season with the club, he truly resembles a fresh addition to the team. While he had his highlights in earlier seasons, something feels different this time.
Designated as one of the captains at the start of the season, the 27-year-old has clearly thrived in his leadership role. Hansi Flick acknowledged that the Brazilian star is now pivotal in every match, even describing him as ‘brilliant.’
According to SPORT, Barcelona plans to reward their captain with a new contract that will extend his current deal, which runs until 2027. It’s worth noting that this move is well-deserved for the Brazilian player.
Next summer, Raphinha will enter the last two years of his contract, and Barcelona aims to renew it, anticipating incoming offers for him. However, if an agreement with the player isn’t reached, they may consider selling him next summer.
The club is determined to secure a long-term deal for one of their key assets. Given Raphinha’s passion for the team and his commitment to the Blaugrana on the field, he should agree to an extension with ease.
Raphinha is currently one of the club’s captains, and his future at the club has never seemed more secure than it does now. It would be surprising if the club considered any offers for him in the future, and a new contract may just be a matter of time.
After a couple of seasons, the 27-year-old is finally finding his footing at Barcelona. One can only wish that this form lasts a long time, allowing Raphinha to keep leading until some of the other captains return.
Barcelona Fans Banned from Champions League Tie Over Racism
UEFA announced on Friday that Barcelona fans are prohibited from traveling to the club’s next UEFA Champions League away match at Red Star Belgrade because of the “racist behavior of its supporters” during the away section of their opening match against AS Monaco.
The governing body also imposed a €10,000 fine on the La Liga club for displaying Nazi symbols at the Stade Louis II.
An additional ban, which prevents the sale of tickets to away fans for one more UEFA competition match, has been suspended for 12 months on a “probationary” basis.
A statement from UEFA published on Friday read: “The charges against Barca relate to racism and/or other discriminatory conduct, per Art. 14(2) of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations.
“The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) had decided to order the enforcement of the suspended disciplinary measure imposed by the UEFA Appeals Body in its decision on 17 April 2024 for the racist behaviour of its supporters, i.e. to ban FC Barcelona from selling tickets to its away-supporters for the next UEFA competition match in accordance with Article 26(3) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.
“And also to fine FC Barcelona €10,000 and to ban FC Barcelona from selling tickets to its away-supporters for one additional UEFA competition match for the racist behaviour of its supporters.
“Said ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision.”
The charges relate to images that emerged from the away section during Barcelona’s loss to Monaco, where a banner displaying Nazi symbols was present.
The club’s vice president, Elena Fort, described the behavior as “disgraceful,” stating that it is “disgusting and sad that someone who says they love the club acts in this manner. Everything has a limit. This can never be repeated. Never.”
Barcelona’s match against Red Star Belgrade is scheduled for November 6, following two home Champions League matches against Young Boys and Bayern Munich.
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