BARCELONA – Barcelona were fined only 300 euros (329 dollars)
by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Thursday after being
found to have broken rules during the pursuit of former Atletico
Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann.
The Spanish champions paid Griezmann's 120 million euro release
clause in July but were found to have negotiated with Griezmann
without Atletico's permission beforehand.
Atletico demanded Barcelona pay the 80 million euros difference
between his initial 200 million euro buyout clause and the 120
million euros figure it dropped to on July 1.
Griezmann was absolved of any responsibility in the case by the RFEF,
who acknowledged in a statement that the minuscule fine would not
persuade other clubs to act differently in the future.
The RFEF said Barcelona had held talks with Griezmann but could not
prove a contract had been signed.
"(Barcelona) initiated and maintained negotiations with the player
without prior written notice to Atletico Madrid," said the Spanish
football governing body in a statement.