Bibao official: FIFA refuses to accept Laporte s transfer, players are currently unable to register

Hupu September 3rd, Athletic Bilbao issued a statement saying that FIFA has initially refused to accept Laporte's international transfer certificate, and the player is currently unable to register with the team. The official statement is as follows:

Athletic Bilbao Club wishes to inform all members and all fans that FIFA has rejected the Royal Football Association of Spain (RFEF) request to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to obtain a certificate of international transfer (CTI), which is necessary for the completion of the registration of Laporte. The incident happened as follows: On September 1, local time, during the player registration period allowed by the regulations, Mr. Laporte, Saudi Riyadh Victory Football Club and Athletic Bilbao reached an agreement on player transfer matters, which is based on the satisfaction of specific conditions.

Athletic Bilbao Club submitted a transfer application through the FIFA TMS platform on September 1, but due to force majeure and external factors beyond the club's control, the entire process was not completed on the same day.

Royal Football Association requested FIFA on September 2 to verify the exceptions in order to obtain international transfer certificates from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, thereby completing the player's registration with Athletic Bilbao.

Royal Football Association informed Athletic Bilbao by email on September 3 that FIFA had rejected the application and would not issue an international transfer certificate.

Athletic Bilbao Club is continuing to work to promote the realization of the common will of the three parties (Riyadh Victory Club, players and this club) and to study all feasibility plans within the current legal framework.

It is necessary to be clearly informed that if Mr. Laporte ultimately fails to complete the registration, all agreements will be automatically terminated without any legal effect under the conditions of suspension attached to the Athletic Bilbao Club, Riyadh Victory Club and the players' contracts, and the club will not assume any financial responsibility.

Athletic Bilbao Club has always adhered to the principle of transparent operation and insisted on conveying real information to members. After exhausting all ways to solve the current problem, a complete explanation will be given on this matter.