Iniesta Joins Morocco, Laporta Battles Font, Athletic Clash Looms - March 6, 2026
Andrés Iniesta appointed Morocco sporting director while Xavi linked to national team role. Laporta defends his presidency ahead of March 15 elections as Barcelona prepares for crucial Athletic clash.
Iniesta Takes Morocco Role as Xavi Tipped for National Team
In a stunning development that links two Barcelona legends to Moroccan football, Andrés Iniesta has been officially appointed as the new sporting director of the Morocco national team. The announcement comes as the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) revealed that Walid Regragui has been replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi as head coach.
According to reports from Marca, Xavi Hernández has emerged as the favorite to take over the Morocco coaching role after the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain. The North African nation continues its ambitious project to strengthen its football structure following their historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and recent Copa Africa final appearance.
The moves represent a significant investment by Morocco in Barcelona DNA, bringing two of the club's most decorated midfielders into their setup as they build toward hosting football's biggest tournament.
Laporta Fights Back in Heated Presidential Race
With just nine days until Barcelona's presidential elections on March 15, incumbent Joan Laporta has launched a fierce defense of his administration while taking aim at opponent Victor Font. In comments to Diario AS, Laporta dismissed Font's proposal to replace sporting director Deco with a three-person committee, calling it "psychedelic."
"The idea that Deco's work should be done by three people seems psychedelic to me," Laporta stated. "He only destabilizes."
However, political analyst David Sánchez noted that the electoral debates have benefited Font's campaign, telling Marca: "I see Laporta as less of a favorite than a week ago," though the current president remains the frontrunner.
Meanwhile, candidate Marc Ciria, whose candidacy was disqualified due to invalidated signatures, announced he will take legal action over the decision but won't halt the electoral process. Ciria confirmed he will support Font in the upcoming vote.
Lewandowski Ready for San Mamés Despite Injury
Barcelona prepares for Saturday's crucial LaLiga clash at San Mamés against Athletic Club with Robert Lewandowski training in a protective mask. The Polish striker is expected to be available for one of the season's toughest fixtures as Hansi Flick's side looks to maintain their four-point lead over Real Madrid.
The match comes on the heels of Barcelona's Copa del Rey elimination to Atlético Madrid, though the team showed character in nearly overturning a four-goal deficit. Ronald Araujo marked his 200th appearance for the club in that match, playing as an emergency striker in the final minutes.
Interestingly, Barcelona has managed to avoid yellow card accumulation cycles remarkably well, with Flick's squad serving only two suspensions due to card accumulation in the last 63 league matches.
LaLiga Announces Retro Round
LaLiga has revealed plans for a special retro-themed matchday from April 10-12, with teams in both Primera and Segunda divisions wearing vintage kits. The throwback event will also affect referees' uniforms and television graphics, offering fans a nostalgic experience.
Transfer News: Barcelona Eye Bundesliga Talent
Barcelona has initiated talks with Bundesliga star Luka Vuskovic as they continue planning for summer reinforcements. The club is also monitoring Tottenham defender situations and Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson, with the German club now open to a summer sale.
Additionally, Barcelona stands to receive €10 million from Chelsea in transfer-related payments, which could prove crucial as the club works to return to LaLiga's 1:1 spending rule before the summer window.
