The 15 million signing that harms FC Barcelona again

FC Barcelona has seen how the 32nd Instruction Court of Barcelona has included in the case against their former president Josep Maria Bartomeu the transfer of Antoine Griezmann from Atlético de Madrid.

The Catalan club faces charges for alleged offenses of falsification and disloyal administration, as reported by Flashscore.

The judge has considered that irregular actions took place during the signing process of the French forward by FC Barcelona, as the player had a valid contract with Atlético de Madrid at the time of negotiations.

FC Barcelona under scrutiny for the 15 million payment

According to the ruling, FC Barcelona paid 15 million euros to Atlético de Madrid in order to prevent them from providing evidence to the RFEF after claiming that the Blaugrana club had negotiated directly with Griezmann. Therefore, the judicial investigation sees potential acts of simulation.

The judge emphasizes that FC Barcelona would have violated FIFA regulations prohibiting contact with a player under contract without authorization from his club. Elías indicates that "clubs cannot engage with an athlete under a valid contract without first speaking with his team."

Implications for the transfer and sports management

FC Barcelona finds itself in a sports and reputational dilemma due to this case. The Griezmann signing process, far from being a closed chapter, is now part of the investigation, as the judge believes that the operation concealed a symbolic payment agreement of 15 million to "normalize" the situation.

The club has responded by stating that the payment was related to a right of first refusal on young players from Atlético de Madrid. However, the investigation interprets that this contract was only aimed at covering up the true objective: stopping Atlético's complaint.

What consequences does FC Barcelona face?

The inclusion of Griezmann's signing in the case broadens the scope of the investigation against Bartomeu and his circle. The club now acknowledges that it could face sporting sanctions, fines, or even the loss of authorization for new signings.

This new legal battle adds to other cases affecting FC Barcelona, jeopardizing its sports integrity image. Beyond potential media repercussions, the impact could also affect negotiations with other players and sponsors.

The signing of Antoine Griezmann thus becomes not only a football issue but a symbol of that era under Bartomeu's board now under close examination. FC Barcelona will have to answer to the court and its members.

The outcome of the case will determine if the 2019 operation was a mere management error or a deliberate misconduct. In this scenario, FC Barcelona faces a pivotal moment in sports justice and its institutional future.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El fichaje de 15 millones que vuelve a perjudicar al FC Barcelona