Barcelona warned La Liga will 'enforce the rules' as Javier Tebas issues verdict on Nico Williams transfer debacle

Tebas stated that Barca will have to adhere to the league's FFP regulations, specifically the 1:1 rule that means they can only spend as much on salaries as their income allows in order to register new players. Tebas confirmed that Athletic Club had lodged a complaint, expressing their concern after Blaugrana sporting director Deco publicly stated the club's desire to sign the player. Tebas emphasised that La Liga's obligation is to enforce the rules, not to interfere in transfer negotiations.

Tebas' comments highlight the ongoing financial struggles and regulatory challenges faced by Barcelona. The 1:1 rule requires a club to match every euro spent on new signings with a euro of revenue or wage savings. This verdict creates a hurdle for the Spanish giants, suggesting they need to raise significant funds or reduce their wage bill to be able to register new signings. The Basque club's formal complaint to La Liga further adds to the situation's complexity.

Speaking to EFE, Tebas said: "Athletic Club are complaining because Barcelona have publicly stated, if the statements attributed to Deco are true, that they want to sign a player. According to FIFA regulations, he is in a protected period, and we don't have the authority to interfere in that. What we will do, as we have always done, is that Barcelona will have to comply with the regulations to sign players, be it Nico Williams, [Erling] Haaland, [Lionel] Messi... whoever it may be. And we won't change anything."

Recalling Barca president, Joan Laporta's previous statements insisting they will be able to register Williams, Tebas added: "I'm not saying it, the president of FC Barcelona said it, they are not in the 1:1 rule. I hope they will be as soon as possible, as I wish all clubs to be. But as I always say, Barcelona knows what it has to do to be in the 1:1 rule because the regulations are already well known. And Athletic Club also knows what Barcelona has to do, because in February we were very transparent so that no one would doubt Financial Fair Play."

Williams' future still hangs in doubt. With the recent coverage and Bilbao's complaint, things have caught the attention of many and the plans of keeping everything under the wrap is now scrutinised. Barca must find a way to meet the 1:1 rule and pay the winger's release clause should they wish to link him up with Lamine Yamal.