Barcelona could face one match behind close doors due to “Antoine Griezmann case”

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The punishment would stem from irregularities in his signing

FC Barcelona could face a financial penalty or a match behind close doors as punishment for speaking with Antoine Griezmann before his contract allowed it.

The forward was signed last summer after his release clause was lowered from 200 million euro to just 120 million. Atlético Madrid claimed that since the team had been negotiating with him prior to the drop in the clause, they still owed 80 million. However, authorities in Spain have seemingly rejected that idea.

However, they still could fine Barça for negotiating with the Frenchman while he was still under contract. The presiding judge in the competition committee says that according to the rules, Barcelona could either be fined just 300 euros or be forced to play one match behind closed doors, according to a report. The judge then, would likely opt for the one-match penalty as the 300 euro fine would be very minor.

The evidence that would push the judge to force Barcelona to do this seems to be an email between Griezmann’s family and the club, which pertains to the player’s conditions for signing with the Catalans.

Source: barcablaugranes.com