Ramos's Sevilla Bid Faces La Liga Roadblock: A Legal Twist on His Return
2 January 2026
Because of Piqué..
The Sevilla scenario
Spanish media in recent hours reported the possibility that Sergio Ramos could seize Sevilla, the club where he began his career before his historic move to Real Madrid.
The Andalusian defender, now 39, has returned to Spain after his spell with Monterrey to continue his European career, setting his sights on returning to Spain coach Luis de la Fuente's plans ahead of the World Cup, and on bidding farewell from continental football.
The legal roadblock: Spain's anti-conflict law
But this scenario could collide with a major legal obstacle if he actually participates in buying Sevilla, as he would be barred from playing in the Spanish league. The reason lies in what is known as the 'anti-conflict of interest law' or, as the media calls it, the 'Piqué anti-law,' a clause included in the Sports Law issued by Spain's Higher Council for Sport and in the Spanish Football Federation regulations since February 2025, according to Mundo Deportivo.
This legal adjustment followed Gerard Piqué's case, when, as an active player, he intervened in a commercial mediation between the Spanish federation and Saudi interests to move the Super Cup to Saudi Arabia for financial commissions.
To prevent repetition of such cases, a clause was approved prohibiting any professional athlete from owning direct or indirect business interests in competitions in which they participate, to preserve integrity and equal opportunity.
Implications for Ramos and potential paths forward
Under this law, Ramos's ownership of a Spanish club would prevent him from playing in the first or second division, making his La Liga return as a player impossible if the acquisition goes ahead.
In that case, the former Real Madrid captain would have only one option to continue his career: to play outside Spain, in any other European league.
Punchline 1: If Ramos can't play in La Liga, he can still score in the courtroom—okay, maybe not literally, but he might score points in the negotiation table.
Punchline 2: The only red card he wants now is red tape—preferably the legal kind, not the referee kind.
