World football’s governing body hit the Catalan club with a transfer suspension meaning they were not allowed to be involved with any activity in the tranfer window for the next two seasons following irregularities in the signigs of 10 young players in recent transfer windows.
Xavi believes this punishment is harsh and overly unfair but is also confident that the Barcelona youth academy can produce enough young talents to make up for any signings not made, should their appeal prove unsuccessful.
The Barcelona captain said in a press conference: “It’s disproportionate and unjust. We’ll try to oppose it,
“La Masia does a more than adequate job, it’s part of our philosophy. Barca spends many years working properly with youngsters, we look after them.
“We’re not isolated from what happens, but we try to stay calm in the dressing room. What happens outside helps to unite us.”
Xavi then went on to complain about the criticism directed at team-mate Sergio Busquets following his confrontation with Real Madrid’s Pepe during the Clasico last month. Busquets was accused of stamping on the Portuguese defender and with fellow countryman Iker Casillas saying he would “slap” Busquets for his actions, xavi believs the remarks are unjust.
“We have no doubts over Busquet’s action. They’re being very unfair to him, even his team-mates in the national team.
“We don’t have to defend him, the pictures defend him. It’s obvious he doesn’t stamp on Pepe.”
By Phil Wellbrook
