Football club expelled from top-flight league with match cancelled | Football | Sport

Andorran side Pas de la Casa were dramatically expelled from their nation’s top division just one hour before kick-off. The club has been banished from the Primera Division after failing to register sufficient players to meet the mandatory minimum of 16 due to work permit and residency complications.

The dramatic decision followed officials discovering “irregularities” involving nine squad members. Local reports claim that three were professional players, whilst a further six possessed student permits. Consequently, Pas de la Casa have been demoted to the second tier just 60 minutes before their scheduled top-flight clash with Santa Coloma.

Whilst the club retains the right to challenge this ruling, they currently find themselves in complete disarray.

An official statement from the Andorran Football Federation declared: “The Andorran Football Federation (FAF) informs that, in accordance with the resolution of the file issued by the Competition Committee at the meeting of November 4, 2025, FC Pas de la Casa is excluded from the competition in the 2025-2026 Multisegur Insurance League with the automatic loss of the category.

“This resolution is based on the breach of article 47 of the FAF General Regulations, which states the following: Clubs must register a minimum of sixteen player licenses, who must be active throughout the season up to a maximum of twenty-five players for each of the teams that play in the senior categories of the First and Second Divisions. In the case of Second Division clubs, provided that they have a youth team, the minimum may be fourteen players.

“This number includes any type of license (amateur or professional). Failure to comply with this article will be considered a very serious offense in accordance with the provisions of the FAF’s jurisdictional, sporting, competitive, disciplinary and ethical regime.

“For the disciplines of seven-a-side football, futsal and grassroots football, the number of players to register will be that established in the competition rules, in the relevant committees or in the corresponding rules of the game.’ The sanction will allow FC Pas de la Casa to participate in the Second Division of Andorran football (Lliga Grup Pirineu) during the 2026-2027 season like any other club in the category. FC Pas de la Casa has 3 working days to submit the file to the Appeal Committee.”

Just last month, Pas de la Casa issued a statement suggesting their desperate circumstances, while expressing hope that a resolution could be reached.

The statement read: “FC Pas de la Casa would like to express its support for the Andorran Football Federation in these complex times for our sport. We are aware that the recent measures have generated concern in different clubs and, in particular, have had a significant impact on our entity.

“From the club, we adhere to the position of the FAF and trust that the dialogue between the competent institutions and the agents involved will soon allow a solution to be found that guarantees the stability and continuity of football activity in our country.

“In the meantime, we reiterate our commitment to respect and collaboration to contribute to a fair and constructive future for all Andorran football.”