FIFA places Athletic on its blacklist of clubs 'temporarily banned from registering new players' due to Padilla's loan
FIFA has temporarily banned Athletic Club from registering new players due to an administrative issue regarding the loan of goalkeeper Padilla, which could last until January 2028 if not resolved.
FIFA has announced that Athletic Club de Bilbao is now on a temporary blacklist, preventing the club from registering any new players. This ban affects the club's ability to make transfers for the next three transfer windows and could extend to January 2028 if the situation is not addressed. The club has stated that this sanction is due to an administrative issue related to the formation rights of goalkeeper Padilla, and they anticipate a quick resolution to the matter.
Officials at Athletic Club are downplaying the severity of the situation, maintaining that this is a specific issue and not reflective of ongoing financial disputes. They expressed confidence that the problems would be resolved shortly, allowing them to return to normal operations and continue with player registrations. The club's history and its commitment to nurturing local talent may have also played a role in their expectation of a speedy resolution.
This incident underlines the complexities of player registration regulations and the importance of maintaining compliance with FIFA's guidelines. Athletic Club's situation serves as a reminder for all football clubs about the potential pitfalls associated with player loans and formation rights, emphasizing the need for clear administrative processes to avoid sanctions and other challenges that could affect team performance and development.