Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde may face a suspension of up to 12 games following allegations that he punched Villarreal player Alex Baena after a heated La Liga match on April 8. Villarreal claimed victory with a 3-2 win at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, leading to escalating tensions between the players.
Various reports suggest that Valverde confronted Baena in the parking lot where team buses were parked, allegedly punching Baena and leaving him with a bruised and swollen cheek. The Spanish FA's competition committee, an independent disciplinary body, will reportedly open an investigation on Wednesday, according to The Athletic. If Valverde is found guilty, this could have significant repercussions for Carlo Ancelotti's team as they prepare for crucial upcoming matches.
Suspensions for acts of aggression can range from four to twelve games. Real Madrid may argue that no sporting punishment should be imposed on Valverde since the alleged incident occurred outside the playing field, potentially placing it outside the competition committee's jurisdiction.
Villarreal did not file a complaint, but Baena personally reported the incident to the police. Unconfirmed reports suggest Valverde's anger stemmed from Baena's alleged trash-talking on the pitch, including comments about Valverde's unborn child. Baena, however, denied these allegations in an Instagram statement: "Very happy with the impressive victory of the team in a stage like the Santiago Bernabeu but at the same time very sad for the aggression I suffered after the match and surprised by what is being said about me. It is totally untrue that I said that."
Villarreal issued a statement supporting Baena: "Villarreal CF footballer Alex Baena was assaulted last night on his way to the team bus after the match against Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium." While not specifically naming Valverde, several media outlets have linked the Uruguayan player to the incident. Villarreal added, "Once again, Villarreal CF rejects any act of violence and firmly believes in the player's version of events and will support him throughout this process," though the statement has since been removed from the club's website.
Neither Real Madrid nor Valverde have commented on the situation, but Ancelotti appears to maintain confidence in Valverde, who played in recent victories against Chelsea FC in the Champions League and Cadiz in La Liga. Valverde is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming quarter-final match against Chelsea in London on Tuesday.
The case is unlikely to be resolved quickly, so Valverde may still play in the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna on May 6. However, concerns remain that he may be forced to sit out critical matches, as Barcelona currently holds a strong lead in La Liga.
