Sevilla issue statement saying they could pull out of Supercopa clash with Barcelona

Sevilla have threatened to pull out of their Spanish Super Cup match against Barcelona on Sunday, following a late rule change.

In a usual La Liga matchday squad, a team is only allowed to name three non-European Union players, and many had thought the rule would carry over into the Supercopa de Espana.

But on Saturday the Royal Spanish Football Federation announced there were no restrictions on non-EU players for the Supercopa as it deemed the match “non-competitive”.

And now, ahead of Sunday’s game, Sevilla have said they could withdraw from the final if opponents Barcelona name more than three non-EU players.

A Sevilla club statement read: “Sevilla FC is surprised by the RFEF’s statement 24 hours before the Super Cup.

“It has stated that as many non-EU players as desired can be registered. In their last notice for the 18/19 season, only three were due to be permitted, without exception.

“The club’s legal department is studying the matter and should FC Barcelona submit a team with more than three non-EU players, it would present possible ground for withdrawal on account of an improper line-up.”

Sevilla qualified for the Supercopa as runners-up of the Copa del Rey following Barcelona’s domestic double.

Usually a two-legged affair, the match will be settled after just one for the first time on Sunday. And it is also being held outside of Spain for the first time, with Morocco the location.

Barcelona’s non-EU players

Barcelona currently have four non-EU players whom they could name in their matchday squad to face Sevilla on Sunday.

Three of Barcelona’s signings this summer are non-EU with Arturo Vidal (Chile), Malcom and Arthur (both Brazilian) favourites to be in the Blaugrana’s matchday squad for the Supercopa and beyond.

But the club could also call upon defender Marlon (Brazil), taking the total up to four.

Though Barcelona do have Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi who hail from outside of the EU, all three have EU citizenship with Coutinho recently gaining a Portuguese passport according to reports.

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