Barcelona make request to UEFA over issue that could impact Rashford’s future

Barcelona are awaiting the outcome after making a special request to UEFA

Barcelona have made an unusual request to UEFA related to their upcoming presidential elections, which could affect Marcus Rashford’s future at the club. Barca have scheduled the vote for Sunday, March 15, the same day as their La Liga home match versus Sevilla to ensure a high turnout among members.

The date of that match has been in doubt due to the Nou Camp club’s Champions League schedule, with the Catalans due to play their last-16 second leg on Tuesday, March 16 or Wednesday, March 17. Ordinarilly, if Barca were given the Tuesday slot, the previous league match would be brought forward to the Saturday.

However, with club officials keen for the elections to take place on a matchday, they have asked for a Wednesday Champions League date instead, reports ESPN Deportes (via Sport). If UEFA agree to the request, the first leg would take place on Tuesday, March 10. Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle United are their likely opponents after both won their play-off round first legs away from home.

The elections could be pivotal to Rashford’s future as he looks to make his loan from Manchester United a permanent transfer. As it stands, Barca, who have a £26million option to buy, are keen to keep Rashford beyond this season, either by extending his loan or purchasing him outright.

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However, one of current president Joan Laporta’s rival candidates has suggested the club should look to in-house options over Rashford. Xavier Vilajoana, one of the three challengers to Laporta, has championed 19-year-old Virgili, with Barca holding a buy-back option on the Mallorca winger.

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Vilajoana told ESPN: “I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I’ve always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have.

“For example, I want to give the example of Jan Virgili, who is currently playing for Mallorca. He’s a great winger. I would maybe look at [exercising the clause to re-sign him] as an option, for example, rather than paying the Rashford clause.”

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Vilajoana hasn’t completely ruled out keeping Rashford, should he win the election, adding: “That said, it’s not just the president who arrives and makes the decision. The president arrives, puts things on the table, alternatives are considered, it’s discussed and a decision is made.

“What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen.”

Rashford has missed Barca’s last three games with a knee issue. Hansi Flick’s side host Villarreal on Saturday.

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