Barcelona have reportedly blocked club legend Xavi Hernandez from taking part in recent Barça Legends matches following growing tensions behind the scenes.
Xavi remains one of the most iconic figures in Barcelona’s history. The former midfielder spent 17 seasons with the first team and won numerous trophies during a glittering playing career.
He later returned as manager and guided the club to a La Liga title during the 2022-23 season.
However, relations between Xavi and senior figures at Barcelona appear to have deteriorated.
According to Catalunya Radio (via AS), Barcelona excluded Xavi from recent Legends fixtures in Miami and Seoul.
The reports claim club officials informed the former manager that he was not welcome. Xavi had regularly featured in Legends matches since retiring from professional football.
However, that situation reportedly changed after comments he made during Barcelona’s recent presidential election campaign.
In an interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi criticised Alejandro Echevarría and expressed disappointment over their relationship.
The former manager suggested Echevarría held significant influence behind the scenes at the club. Those comments reportedly angered key figures within Barcelona.
Echevarría currently plays an important role in selecting squads for Barça Legends matches.
Reports claim he has blocked Xavi’s involvement for the time being. Xavi’s representatives received a call informing them that his request to participate in the Seoul match had been rejected.
The former Barcelona star reportedly reacted with frustration after missing the opportunity to play alongside close friends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Javier Mascherano.
Reports also suggest Barcelona prevented him from taking part in the earlier match in Miami.
Although his managerial spell ended in 2024, Xavi remains closely associated with Barcelona after making 767 appearances and helping shape one of the most successful eras the club has ever enjoyed.
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