Athletic Club Files Official Protest Over Nico Williams Transfer as Barcelona President Strikes Back
Athletic Club has officially confirmed their meeting with La Liga to contest Barcelona's intentions to acquire winger Nico Williams.
Reports emerged this week indicating that Athletic intended to lodge a formal complaint with La Liga, questioning Barcelona's financial capacity to complete a €62 million ($72.5 million) transfer for Williams, who has expressed his desire to join Camp Nou during the summer window. Barcelona's president Joan Laporta addressed these reports by criticizing Athletic's approach.
The Basque club has now disclosed specifics about their La Liga meeting, where Athletic questioned whether Barcelona currently complies with the 1:1 spending regulations, potentially preventing them from securing Williams' signature.
"Athletic Club appreciates the transparency offered by an organization committed to protecting all member clubs' interests," their official statement declared. "Regarding financial fair play matters, we examined various topics, including FC Barcelona's capacity to acquire new players.
"Athletic Club maintains a legitimate right to obtain pertinent information on this matter, particularly since FC Barcelona's sporting director, Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco', openly stated their intention to pursue one of our first-team players. This player remains contracted to Athletic Club through 30 June 2027.
"Requesting clarification on these issues helps guarantee proper adherence to competition regulations.
"Anderson Luis de Souza's remarks follow public declarations by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who acknowledged his club 'is working toward 1:1 rule compliance' and consequently doesn't currently satisfy that rule's player registration criteria.
"We appreciate La Liga's cooperation and transparency in delivering a thoughtful response, while simultaneously emphasizing that Athletic Club will robustly protect its interests according to financial fair play rules endorsed by every professional club within La Liga."
Following Athletic's declaration, Laporta was again prompted to comment. The Barcelona president embraced the scrutiny and reassured supporters there are no concerns.
"People should pursue what they believe is right," he addressed the press. "We're executing what Barcelona should when capitalizing on market possibilities and following guidance from our sporting director and coach. I have no additional comments about Athletic Club; they should proceed as they see fit. I respect their actions, just as I expect reciprocal respect for ours.
"Barcelona's business is Barcelona's concern, and La Liga understands that club finances maintain substantial confidentiality levels. We're meeting all La Liga and fair play obligations to capitalize on market opportunities."
When directly questioned about Barcelona's readiness to activate Williams's buyout clause, Laporta confirmed the La Liga titleholders are prepared to do so when necessary.
"Barcelona is ready to take required action when market opportunities demand clause payments," he declared.
"Having nothing to conceal means scrutiny poses no issue, though we expect equal treatment standards for everyone. We don't feel targeted or victimized. We're focused on our objectives."