The Antoine Griezmann saga is back — this time in court. According to Mundo Deportivo and Sport, Spanish authorities are investigating FC Barcelona’s conduct during the French forward’s 2019 transfer from Atlético Madrid. What was meant to be a blockbuster signing could now explode into a legal scandal.
Illegal Contact with Griezmann? Barcelona are accused of secretly negotiating with Griezmann while he was still under contract with Atlético Madrid — without informing the club. This would be a direct violation of FIFA rules, which require formal notification before any contact with a contracted player.
A Hidden €15M Payment?
The case goes deeper. To avoid conflict with Atlético, Barça allegedly paid an undeclared €15 million, disguised as a “first option” on young Atlético players. Investigators now suspect this was a covert deal designed to silence the dispute.
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Bartomeu in the Crosshairs
This investigation adds to ongoing legal pressure on former Barça president Josep Maria Bartomeu, already entangled in multiple controversies — including the Negreira referee case and questionable financial dealings.
What was supposed to be a galáctico signing may turn into another judicial bombshell for Barcelona.
