Barcelona to pull out of Champions League duties
Understandably, the Catalan club have asked UEFA to allow their players to avoid media duties this week.
These are difficult times at FC Barcelona. The sudden passing of Dr. Carles Miñarro on Saturday has deeply affected the entire Blaugrana staff. Despite the shock, the squad must carry on with their duties, including the crucial Champions League tie scheduled for Tuesday.
In recent hours, the Catalan club has submitted a request to UEFA regarding the Champions League clash against Benfica (10pm ET): that no player be required to attend the pre-match press conference. According to Portuguese media, UEFA has approved this request, meaning that on Monday, only Hansi Flick will address the press in Barcelona.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 8, 2025
Barcelona to hold a minute of silence for Dr. Miñarro
If confirmed, this would mark a truly exceptional decision by UEFA, which typically mandates that both the coach and one player from each participating team appear before European matches.
The decision reflects the profound impact of Dr. Miñarro’s death on the team, as the players wish to remain silent out of respect for the family of the deceased.
Due to the gravity of the situation, the match against Osasuna was suspended. The team returned to training on Sunday morning, beginning the session with a minute of silence in memory of Dr. Miñarro. The club has also submitted another request to UEFA for a minute of silence before the Champions League match—the first to be held at Montjuïc without Carles Miñarro.
There are days when football takes a back seat. Carles, you will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/mhvGQznPxe
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 9, 2025
There is a recent precedent, as last week’s Champions League match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid paid tribute to Javier Dorado, a former Madrid player who passed away just days earlier at the age of 48.
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