Barcelona Implements Stringent Late Arrival Penalty

The €40,000 fine marks the most substantial penalty ever enforced by a coach at Camp Nou for players who arrive late.

Changes in Punctuality Regulations

Midfielder Pedri commented to Spanish television, explaining the new approach to punctuality: “We’ve made some adjustments. If you’re late, you face a fine.”

Striker Ferran Torres also discussed the significant costs associated with tardiness, stating:
“Hansi Flick has recently modified the policies regarding late arrivals. If it’s a match day and you’re late, you’re liable to pay a €40,000 (£34,900) penalty.”

Flick takes this regulation seriously and has a zero-tolerance policy for players who arrive even a minute late, emphasizing this earlier in the season.

“When I say 13:30, it means not 13:29 or 13:31,” remarked the former Bayern Munich manager following a late incident involving Jules Kounde.

He continued, “Before the match, we typically have two or three meetings. It’s vital for players to be present, and it shouldn’t be difficult to arrive on time. This is about honoring your teammates. Arriving late, even by one minute, shows a lack of respect for your colleagues.”

Rashford’s Previous Tardiness

In January 2023, Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Barcelona and has been performing impressively, shared his own experience of being late under Erik ten Hag, raising concerns for the England international.

Ten Hag chose to bench Rashford during the match at Molineux against Wolves, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

“I was a bit late for a meeting—I overslept. That’s part of the team regulations, and it was a mistake that can happen,” Rashford admitted.

He expressed disappointment at missing the chance to play but accepted the decision, noting, “I’m pleased we managed to secure the win anyway. I think we can put this behind us and move forward.”