Peace at last: Del Nido Benavente and Sevilla lawyer settle legal dispute
Former Sevilla president withdraws from legal battle following October derby incident, as potential club ownership changes loom in the background.
The long-running legal spat between former Sevilla president José María del Nido Benavente and club lawyer Lucas Fernández de Bobadilla has finally reached a peaceful conclusion, bringing an end to sanctions and court proceedings that have rumbled on since last October’s derby.
Derby day drama resolved
The dispute stemmed from an incident during the Seville derby at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on October 6, 2024, when Del Nido Benavente confronted Fernández de Bobadilla over alleged poor handling of legal matters between the former president and the current board. Security cameras captured the heated exchange, leading to formal complaints.
This Monday, both parties appeared before Instruction Court Number 11, where Del Nido Benavente expressed sincere regret for his behaviour and offered a proper apology. In response, Fernández de Bobadilla withdrew his complaint, as previously agreed between the parties. The two men sealed their reconciliation with a handshake in front of the judge, resulting in the case being officially archived.
Stadium ban lifted
The peace agreement effectively ends the 20-match stadium ban that Sevilla had imposed on their former president. Del Nido Benavente had already served six matches of this punishment before receiving precautionary measures from the judge that allowed him to return to his seat at the stadium.
Timing not coincidental
This outbreak of harmony comes at a particularly interesting moment for the club:
- Auditing firm KPMG is currently reviewing Sevilla’s accounts as part of a due diligence process
- Del Nido Benavente has notably toned down his confrontational rhetoric in recent weeks
- A potential share purchase process appears to be advancing behind the scenes
The timing suggests this reconciliation might be part of broader efforts to stabilise the club’s institutional situation. Del Nido Benavente, who remains Sevilla’s largest shareholder, seems to be taking a more conciliatory approach as ownership changes potentially loom on the horizon.
For Sevilla fans who’ve been through the mill with all this boardroom drama, this peace deal might represent a small step toward much-needed stability at a club that’s had its fair share of aggro off the pitch lately.