La Liga president Javier Tebas has intervened in the escalating transfer dispute between Barcelona and Athletic Club over Nico Williams.
Athletic Club has filed an official complaint with La Liga, claiming Barcelona has violated FIFA’s protected period regulations based on public comments made by their sporting director.
The Basque club’s concerns centre on Barcelona’s ability to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations while activating Williams’ €62 million release clause, and have added further tension between both clubs.
Nico Williams, who is understood to have agreed on personal terms with Barcelona, is at the heart of this disagreement.
Athletic Club stated they are not going to give any payment flexibility, and they, too, are adhering to the financial regulations.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Tebas outlined La Liga’s position: “Barcelona has to comply with the regulations to register any player, including Nico Williams.”
He also said that while Athletic’s complaint was legitimate regarding Barcelona’s public pursuit, La Liga’s powers when it comes to the protected period are limited.
Javier Tebas also mentioned a meeting held back in February, where Barcelona had their financial constraints and salary limit available to all clubs.
Club president Joan Laporta spoke out strongly against Athletic’s position, insisting that clubs should manage their affairs.
Whilst financial issues remain, Barcelona believes they can activate Williams’ clause by early July.
Although both clubs have been communicating indirectly through media statements, it remains uncertain what this means in the context of transfers, given Athletic Club’s stubborn stance, which appears to further complicate Barcelona’s transfer plans.
As the summer transfer window develops, La Liga’s rigorous financial influence will decide whether Williams goes to Barcelona or stays at Athletic, and will dominate the narrative for both clubs moving into the 2023/24 season.
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