Just in – Hansi Flick will be on the Barcelona bench vs Newcastle as UEFA lifts ban | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have received a big boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle United next week.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barça manager Hansi Flick and his assistant Marcus Sorg, who had been suspended, will now be allowed to take their place on the bench.

Barcelona appealed the sanctions imposed on the two coaches after the controversy that followed the club’s elimination from last season’s UEFA Champions League in the semi-finals against Inter Milan.

Both Flick and Sorg were handed a one-match ban, but UEFA has now partially upheld Barcelona’s appeal and suspended the enforcement of the suspension on the staff members.

One match ban lifted. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

This means both will be able to sit on the bench for the next Champions League match, for which they were initially ruled out after being found guilty of breaching the competition’s general principles and code of conduct.

Despite the lifted suspension, both Flick and Sorg will remain under a one-year probation period. Should either repeat conduct deemed incompatible with UEFA’s regulations, they will face new sanctions in addition to the punishment that has now been suspended.

Barcelona will cover the costs of the appeal process, although this is considered a minor setback compared to the outcome.

The most important result is that Flick will be able to lead the team in Thursday’s Champions League debut against Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

Leading up to the game, the Magpies are likely to be without two of their new signings – Yoanne Wissa and Jacob Ramsey, while Barcelona will be unable to count on Gavi and Alejandro Balde.