Joan Laporta says Barcelona have “nothing to hide” after Athletic Club urged La Liga to audit their finances over Nico Williams’ release clause.
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Laporta says audit is 'no problem' for BarcelonaReady to pay Williams' €62m release clauseAthletic Club requested La Liga audit to block transferFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona president Laporta has responded to Athletic Club’s efforts to halt Nico Williams’ transfer by calling for an audit of the Catalan club’s finances. The Basque club believe Barca cannot afford the €62 million (£52m/$71m) clause and asked La Liga to intervene.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Catalan giants' ongoing financial struggles have raised questions about their transfer activity, especially with major signing like Williams lined up. However, Laporta insists the club is working within La Liga’s financial rules and progressing toward a 1:1 salary cap ratio, meaning they can spend what they save. While La Liga president Javier Tebas recently insisted they will not be able to register Williams, Laporta insists all is well.
WHAT JOAN LAPORTA SAID
Speaking at an event on Friday, Laporta addressed the situation calmly, stating: "Let them audit us, we have nothing to hide. Barca is prepared to do what is necessary, if a market opportunity requires paying a clause."
On concerns about financial scrutiny, he added: "Since we have nothing to hide, being audited is no problem, but we do want everyone to be treated by the same standard you're talking about. We don't feel harmed or persecuted. We're just going about our business. We are complying with all the requirements imposed by La Liga and the fair play rules to be able to take advantage of market opportunities."
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Barcelona are expected to press ahead with paying Williams’ clause regardless of Athletic’s challenge. The official activation could happen soon, as Laporta has publicly confirmed the club's readiness.