Jordi Alba Faces Major Fine In MLS

Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba has once again found himself in the spotlight, not for the reasons fans are used to. The veteran left-back, best known for his glittering days at Barcelona, faces disciplinary action from Major League Soccer after a recent off-the-ball incident in a heated clash against the Philadelphia Union.

According to the league, Alba will be fined an undisclosed amount for breaching the MLS policy on contact with an opponent’s face, head, or neck. The decision came after Alba appeared to lash out at an opponent away from the play, an act that went unnoticed by both the match officials and VAR during the game.

“The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF defender Jordi Alba an undisclosed amount for violating the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy in the 95th minute of Miami’s match against the Houston Dynamo on March 2.” Although the quote references a prior offense, it highlights a recurring pattern the league will no longer overlook. This latest fine marks Alba’s second violation of the same rule this season, raising questions about his discipline on the pitch.

Tensions Flare As Miami Seeks Consistency

At 36, Jordi Alba remains one of the most experienced players in MLS. With six assists in just 12 appearances this season, there’s no denying his quality on the field. But as emotions boiled over in the Union clash, Alba’s frustration was enough to attract the attention of the league’s Disciplinary Committee.

The incident was identical to a similar situation earlier this year. On March 2, Alba had already been fined for placing his hands on the head of a Houston Dynamo player. That moment of indiscretion had barely faded from memory when another surfaced.

“The former Barca defender seemed to lash out at the face of an opponent off the ball, although it wasn’t picked up by the referee or VAR at the time.” These lapses in composure can be costly for a team like Inter Miami, which is still adjusting to the pressures of being a high-profile club with global icons like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. This is especially true when they’re coming from veterans who are expected to lead by example.

Repeat Offenses Raise Concerns

This isn’t the first time a member of Inter Miami has been slapped with a fine. Alba now joins a growing list of high-profile teammates who’ve drawn the ire of the MLS disciplinary board. Earlier this year, Messi and Suárez were also sanctioned for confrontational conduct in separate matches. That’s not to say MLS is singling out Inter Miami, but the microscope is sharper when your roster boasts some of football’s biggest names.

“This is Alba’s second breach of the MLS Disciplinary Committee guidelines this season. The Spaniard was also fined in early March after putting his hands on the head of a Houston Dynamo player on March 2.” While this incident won’t lead to a suspension, it does add another entry to Alba’s growing disciplinary record in North America.

If another infraction occurs, the consequences could escalate to match bans or even more substantial financial penalties. It’s not just Inter Miami players making headlines for the wrong reasons, though. Over in Chicago, Fire Forward Brian Gutierrez was also fined this week for elbowing an opponent and refusing to leave the field after receiving a red card.

“Chicago’s Gutierrez also earned himself a duo of fines for a red card and a subsequent incident in the Fire’s game against NYCFC. The forward elbowed an opponent and refused to leave the field in a timely manner, and will face financial punishment for both the elbow itself and his reluctance to leave the pitch.” MLS is trying to regulate player conduct and set a consistent tone throughout the league.

Inter Miami Is Still Counting On Alba

Despite the controversy, Alba is expected to be available for Inter Miami’s upcoming fixture against the Columbus Crew next Saturday. The Herons currently sit seventh in the Eastern Conference and need all their key players fit and firing to remain in playoff contention.

“The left-back will figure to be a part of Inter Miami’s squad next Saturday when they take on the Columbus Crew in an Eastern Conference clash. The Herons are currently seventh in the East.” Alba’s presence is still crucial to Miami’s game plan, given his elite attacking prowess and chemistry with Messi. But if the Spaniard wants to help guide this team toward a successful season, he must keep a cooler head when emotions start running high. The 36-year-old was always a fiery player, even back in Europe. 

Inter Miami is already one of the most scrutinized sides in the league, and every mistake, whether tactical or disciplinary, is magnified. Alba must lead with the maturity his resume suggests rather than letting flashpoints overshadow his contribution.

Final Thoughts

Alba is no stranger to the intensity of top-level football. From Champions League finals with Barcelona to high-stakes derbies in El Clásico, he’s played under immense pressure for most of his career. However, MLS presents its unique challenges, including a different disciplinary culture that doesn’t hesitate to act retroactively.