Athletic's meeting with LaLiga

Athletic Club would like to thank LaLiga for its co-operation and clarity during yesterday's meeting between the two organisations, in which Javier Tebas and Jon Uriarte, respective presidents of each entity, were present.

The meeting in Madrid was held in response to a request made by Athletic Club concerning compliance with financial fair play rules. 

Among the issues discussed was FC Barcelona's ability to sign players. Athletic Club has a legitimate interest in accessing relevant information about this given that FC Barcelona's director of football, Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco', publicly acknowledged that they will try to sign a player from our first team.  A player who is under contract at Athletic Club until 30 June 2027. 

Seeking clarification about these matters helps to ensure that the rules of the competition are followed properly.

Anderson Luis de Souza's comments follow public statements made by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who admitted that his club ‘"is working to comply with the 1:1 rule" and that, as a result, it does not currently meet the requirements of that rule for player registration.

We are grateful for LaLiga's co-operation and clarity in providing a considered response, but at the same time insist that Athletic Club will vigourously defend its interests in accordance with the financial fair play regulations approved by every single one of the professional clubs that make up LaLiga.