By Mark Baber
May 1 – Following reports in the Spanish media, suggesting Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid will face FIFA sanctions for breaching the regulations on the signing of foreign minors, both clubs have issued statements dismissing the reports and denying any wrongdoing. FIFA say their investigations are ongoing.
Reports in the Spanish media that both Madrid clubs face a two transfer window transfer ban, for similar reasons to those applied to Barcelona, have been denied by the two teams involved.
According to a Real Madrid statement the “said information is completely false, as demonstrated by the fact that the Spanish Football Federation has spoken to different media outlets to refute the claims that Real Madrid is implicated in any kind of irregular activity when it comes to signing minors.”
According to their statement “Real Madrid reiterates that the club has always scrupulously adhered to the FIFA regulations” and the club also claims that “Real Madrid is once again saddened by these reports, some of which are intended to cause harm, the only aim of which are to implicate the club in supposed infractions that have not been committed.”
“Real Madrid reiterates once again its absolute commitment to the defence, protection and the correct and healthy development of minors, which take precedence over sporting interests and, as a consequence, confirms its total support of these FIFA regulations and the club’s adherence to them.”
For their part, Atlético said they had no information regarding a possible FIFA sanction and that they had “collaborated with FIFA in the investigation at all times.” The club claimed that “We are sure that we acted correctly. Because all the licences were processed after approval from the Madrid soccer federation and the Spanish football federation.”
A FIFA spokesman said, “We are not in a position to comment on any proceedings that are ongoing. No further information can be provided for the time being whilst referring back to the statement made in January in which FIFA admitted it was “conducting a preliminary investigation so as to compile relevant information and documentation.”
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