Sevilla Manager Suspended for 7 Matches After Criticizing Referees

Matías Almeyda faces lengthy ban for post-match outburst against Alavés.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Matías Almeyda, the Argentine manager of Spanish La Liga club Sevilla, has been suspended for 7 matches after his dismissal in the match against Alavés. The suspension comes as a result of Almeyda's criticism of the match officials following the game.

Why it matters

Almeyda's suspension is a significant penalty that will keep him off the sidelines for over a month, impacting Sevilla's ability to compete in La Liga during that time. Managers criticizing referees is a common occurrence in soccer, but leagues often hand down harsh punishments to discourage such behavior.

The details

Almeyda was sent off in Sevilla's match against Alavés on February 15th. Following the dismissal, he reportedly made critical comments about the match officials that led to the 7-match ban handed down by the league's disciplinary committee.

  • Almeyda was dismissed from the Sevilla vs. Alavés match on February 15, 2026.
  • The 7-match suspension was announced by La Liga on February 18, 2026.

The players

Matías Almeyda

The Argentine manager of Spanish La Liga club Sevilla.

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The takeaway

Almeyda's lengthy suspension highlights the strict disciplinary measures soccer leagues take against managers who publicly criticize match officials. While coaches often feel passionately about refereeing decisions, leagues aim to maintain control and respect for the officials overseeing matches.