Published on Jun 26, 2025
Tensions are rising in Spain as Athletic Club take action to block Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams, citing financial fair play concerns and a lack of compliance with La Liga’s 1:1 rule. After a formal meeting with La Liga officials in Madrid, Athletic have made it clear: they are prepared to “defend their interests” and prevent any transfer that violates league regulations.
Athletic Club Challenge Barcelona’s Compliance
Athletic’s top executives, including president Jon Uriarte and general director Jon Berasategi, held talks with La Liga president Javier Tebas to scrutinize Barcelona’s financial situation. At the heart of their concern is the 1:1 rule, which prohibits clubs from registering new players unless their spending is fully covered by income or savings.
According to Athletic, Barcelona have yet to demonstrate the financial stability required to activate Nico Williams’ €62 million release clause, and any attempt to do so without proper compliance will be challenged.
“We met with La Liga to ensure clarity over FC Barcelona’s financial capabilities. Any attempt to sign a player currently under contract—without proper financial clearance—will be met with a formal challenge.”
This statement came shortly after Barcelona sporting director Deco publicly admitted the club’s interest in signing Nico Williams, who is under contract with Athletic until 2027.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta dismissed Athletic’s actions as “unnecessary,” urging other clubs to “focus on their own business.” However, reports indicate that Barça are actively trying to prepare a financial framework to register Williams without breaching salary limits.
The club is also in talks with La Liga over their own financial projections, which must be approved before they can make any major signings this summer.
While official negotiations have not been confirmed, multiple sources indicate that Barcelona and Nico Williams have reached personal terms. However, the move cannot be completed unless La Liga approves Barcelona’s spending plan and salary cap adjustments—something Athletic intend to monitor closely.
Former Athletic coach Marcelino García Toral has cautioned that the media storm could affect the young winger’s focus and development. TV analyst Iturralde González went further, blaming both clubs, the player, and his agent for creating public uncertainty.
Under La Liga’s financial regulations, the 1:1 rule means clubs must match every euro spent with one euro saved or earned. This rule is particularly strict for clubs already operating at their salary cap limit—like Barcelona.
If they cannot meet these conditions, they must follow the 1/4 rule: spending €1 for every €4 saved—greatly limiting transfer activity.
Athletic Club’s intervention is a clear message to both Barcelona and La Liga: financial rules must be followed. As the €62M release clause looms, the battle for Nico Williams is no longer just a transfer story—it’s a legal and regulatory test that could shape how Spanish clubs conduct major deals moving forward.
If Barcelona cannot prove compliance, Athletic Club may be well within their rights to block one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
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