September 27 – Barcelona have been handed a fine of just €300 by the Spanish Football Federation, the RFEF, for “a minor infringement” in handling the transfer of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish governing body believe negotiations between the player and Barcelona took place in March, without Atletico Madrid’s permission, but can’t prove anything was signed at that time.
Earlier this summer the French striker joined the Catalan club for €120 million in a five-year deal. However, Atletico were determined to pursue Barcelona for an additional €80million after claiming the fee received was “insufficient” to cover the player’s buyout clause.
Atletico believed the transfer was agreed before the 28-year-old’s buyout clause was reduced from 200million on July 1. Griezmann had announced on May 14 he was going to be leaving Atletico.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) revealed the findings of its competition committee on Thursday, stating Barcelona had made a “minor infringement” of the disciplinary code covering negotiations with their LaLiga rivals. However, in coming to the decision to hand out what is effectively only a token fine, the RFEF said a stadium ban would not have been appropriate.
The statement from the Competition Committee indicates that whilst they believe negotiations did take place during that time, and behind Atletico’s back, there’s no proof anything was signed at that moment. They are satisfied talks took place in May after Griezmann announced he was leaving the club.
“This committee is aware that the fine of €300, besides the symbolic nature of it, won’t lead the sanctioned club and probably other clubs in the same situation in the future to follow the regulations,” the statement read. “But this isn’t sufficient reason for the committee to opt for another sanction – such as the proposed closure of the stadium – as that is for infractions of another nature.”
The RFEF statement added: “It is important to highlight that the contacts between FC Barcelona occurred once the player had manifested his intention to leave Atletico Madrid.” The clubs can appeal the decision. Griezmann has scored three goals in six LaLiga appearances for Barcelona so far this season, with the club fifth in the table – three points behind second-placed Atletico.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1730582982labto1730582982ofdlr1730582982owedi1730582982sni@o1730582982fni1730582982