Andorra’s Pa de la Casa were dramatically ousted from the country’s top division just an hour before kick-off. The club was expelled from the Primera División after failing to register enough players to meet the mandatory minimum of 16 players due to work permit and residency complications.
The dramatic decision came after authorities discovered “misconduct” involving nine members. According to local reports, three of the men were professional athletes and a further six held student licenses. As a result, Pa de la Casa were relegated to the second division just 60 minutes before the scheduled summit clash against Santa Coloma.
The club retains the right to contest this ruling, but is currently in complete turmoil.
The Andorran Football Federation announced in an official statement: “The Andorran Football Federation (FAF) announces that, in accordance with the resolution of the file issued by the Competition Committee at its meeting on November 4, 2025, FC Pa de la Casa is excluded from the competition of the Multiségur Insurance League for 2025-2026 and automatically loses its category.”
“This resolution is based on a violation of Article 47 of the FAF General Regulations, which states: Clubs must register a minimum of 16 player licenses and must operate throughout the season with a maximum of 25 players for each team playing in the senior categories of the 1st and 2nd divisions. For clubs in the 2nd division, if they have a youth team, the minimum number of players may be 14.”
“This figure includes all types of licenses (amateur or professional). Failure to comply with this provision will be considered a very serious violation according to the provisions of the FAF Jurisdiction, Sport, Competition, Discipline and Ethics Regime.”
“In the fields of 7-a-side football, futsal and grassroots football, the number of players registered will be the number determined by the competition regulations, the relevant committee or the corresponding match regulations.” With this sanction, FC Pa de la Casa, like other clubs in the same category, will be allowed to participate in the second division of Andorran football (Liga Group Piriniu) during the 2026-2027 season. FC Pa de la Casa must submit the file to the Appeals Committee within three working days. ”
Just last month, Pa de la Casa issued a statement hinting at their desperate situation but expressing hope that a solution could be reached.
“FC Pa de la Casa would like to express its support to the Andorran Football Federation at this complex time for our sport. We are aware that the recent measures have caused concern for various clubs and have had a particularly serious impact on our organization,” the statement said.
“As a club, we stand by the FAF’s position and believe that through dialogue with the competent authorities and the agencies involved, a solution will soon be found that will guarantee the stability and continuity of football activities in our country.”
“In the meantime, we reiterate our commitment to respect and cooperation in order to contribute to a fair and constructive future for Andorran football as a whole.”
