Atlético Madrid Criticizes Decision Favoring Barcelona
Atlético Madrid issues a strong statement against the provisional approval for Barcelona to register players, warning of its risks to financial regulations in Spanish football.
Atlético Madrid has publicly condemned the decision by the National Sports Council (CSD) to provisionally allow Barcelona to register players Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, despite prior rejections from LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). This decision, according to Atlético Madrid, sets a 'dangerous precedent' that threatens the financial stability of Spanish football.
Atlético Madrid emphasized that the financial control measures enforced by LaLiga have been instrumental in ensuring the sustainability of clubs and maintaining fair competition. The club argued that government intervention undermines these regulations and could lead to a repeat of past financial mismanagement within the league.
In a strongly worded statement, the club noted, "By bypassing the established financial control measures, this decision creates an unequal playing field. Fair competition is only possible when all clubs adhere to the same rules." They further pointed out that complying with these regulations has required significant sacrifices, including capital injections, to meet the strict standards set by LaLiga.
Atlético's concerns were echoed by the president of UD Las Palmas, Miguel Ángel Ramírez, who also criticized the decision, stating it undermines the integrity of the league. Ramírez emphasized the importance of adhering to financial regulations to preserve fairness and competitiveness in Spanish football.
The controversy centers around Barcelona's attempt to register Olmo and Víctor for the second half of the season. Initial rejections from both LaLiga and the RFEF were based on the club's failure to meet financial requirements. However, the CSD's provisional approval has reignited debates over the enforcement of financial rules and the potential for unequal treatment among clubs.
Atlético Madrid's statement reflects broader concerns within the football community about maintaining financial discipline. As one of Spain's leading clubs, Atlético has reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of fair play and financial responsibility, warning that any deviation from these principles could have long-term consequences for the league's credibility.