Sevilla coach Almeyda faces lengthy touchline ban

MADRID, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) — Sevilla coach Matias Almeyda is set to miss half of the remaining 14 La Liga fixtures after the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee handed him a seven-match ban stemming from his red card during last weekend’s 1-1 home draw with Deportivo Alaves. The committee confirmed that one of the seven matches corresponds to the automatic suspension triggered by the sending-off, while the additional six were imposed for subsequent conduct that the RFEF deemed aggravated. Almeyda, who showed visible frustration after the final whistle, will now be absent from the dugout until early April, leaving his relegation-threatened side to navigate a pivotal stretch without their head coach.

Sevilla, currently hovering above the drop zone, face a congested calendar that includes clashes against several direct rivals. Club officials have yet to indicate whether they will appeal the ruling, which ranks among the longest touchline bans issued to a La Liga coach this season. In Almeyda’s absence, assistant coach Sergio Álvarez is expected to assume first-team duties for the foreseeable future.