Opinion: FC Barcelona’s transfer behavior this summer has been unacceptable
By Ben Sundock
European football can at times be a dirty business. With so many high profile clubs vying for domestic and continental supremacy, sometimes winning overshadows morals. FC Barcelona and its president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has shown the world just that and has plunged the footballing world into chaos this summer.
First it was Antoine Griezmann. The wickedly talented forward failed to report to Atletico Madrid training on Sunday and will now be fined by the club due to his absence. This move by the 2018 World Cup winner came just a couple days after the club released a statement condemning Barcelona and its president for meeting with Griezmann illegally during March to discuss a deal.
This meeting was not sanctioned by the club and therefore, is against FIFA and UEFA policy. When trying to buy a player from another club, the club must be involved in the contractual proceedings as crazy as that may sound.
Although the deal is pretty much confirmed, Atletico is holding out on the Catalans in a protest for their behavior in the proceedings. Los Rojiblancos made it public knowledge that the behavior of Barca is unacceptable in a statement released on Friday, stating:
"“Atlético de Madrid’s response was obviously negative, as we believe that FC Barcelona and the player have disrespected Atlético de Madrid and all its fans… [Atletico] wishes to express its strongest disapproval of the behaviour of both, especially FC Barcelona, for prompting the player to break his contractual relationship with Atlético de Madrid at a time of the season when the club was involved in the Champions League tie against Juventus, as well as the league title race against FC Barcelona, something that we believe violates the protected periods of negotiation with players and alters the basic rules of integrity in any sporting competition.”"
Although I strongly dislike Atleti in every way possible, I have to agree with them in this situation and applaud them for releasing a statement like this to voice their displeasure. They were not afraid make it public knowledge that Barca has broken some rules in trying to lure Antoine Griezmann away from the Spanish capital.
As an avid Real Madrid supporter and writer, it is quite amusing to see these two clubs going back and forth over a potential transfer. From my perspective as a Real Madrid follower, I have to side with Atletico Madrid and agree that FC Barcelona is completely in the wrong here.
If the proceedings with Griezmann weren’t enough to prove that president Bartomeu has done wrong, take a glance at what’s going on with Neymar Jr. and Paris Saint-Germain at the moment.
As if Griezmann not showing up to the start of the Atleti preseason was not enough, Neymar did the exact same thing on Monday with PSG, further proving that Barca is up to no good this summer.
For some odd reason, Neymar wants out of France after spending just two seasons in Ligue 1. He left Spain due to reported disagreements with Lionel Messi and the infrastructure of the club, however, he now wants to return? Why?
Fans have taken notice of Barca’s immoral behavior and history is very much stacked against them.
June 2011: Fabregas doesn't turn up for Arsenal training
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) July 9, 2019
June 17: Dembele doesn’t turn up for BVB training
July 17: Coutinho doesn’t turn up for LFC training
Sunday: Griezmann doesn’t turn up for Atlético training
Monday: Neymar doesn’t turn up for PSG training
The Barca way
Compare this to Real Madrid’s transfer behavior now. It was obvious Los Blancos wanted Eden Hazard for several years, however, they simply could not reach an agreement with Chelsea.
It was not until this summer the two clubs reached terms and the deal happened in early June, leaving little doubt on Hazard’s future in London.
It’s fascinating that a club like Barcelona can continue to get away with transfer dealings like this with little to no repercussions. On the other hand, Real Madrid continues to follow the rules and guidelines laid out by the Spanish federation, UEFA, and FIFA.
Next. Real Madrid sells Castilla defender Alex Martin to Leganés. dark
It looks impossible for Josep Maria Bartomeu and his club to escape fines, a transfer ban, or maybe worse after what has transpired this summer. If Griezmann and Neymar Jr. do indeed join, it will be incredibly difficult to take the club and its fans seriously if they win any silverware with the two on the team.
Winning is important, but following the rules and behaving appropriately in the transfer window is far more important.