Atletico Madrid denounce Barcelona over Griezmann contacts

Atletico Madrid have denounced FC Barcelona to the world football's governing body FIFA because of the "repeated contacts" the Catalan giants have had with the capital club's French forward Antoine Griezmann.

Atletico allege the contacts "with the player and his representatives with the aim of signing him," could affect the result of the game when the two sides meet in the La Liga or if they are drawn to face each other in a later round of the King's Cup knockout competition, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Madrid based side pointed out that Griezmann extended his contract with them until the end of June 2022 in the summer.

They also stressed that under FIFA regulations, clubs are not allowed to open talks with a player belonging to another club until the player enters the last six months of his contract unless they have first agreed terms with that player's club.

But clubs probably break this rule on a regular basis when making signings.

However, in this case declarations by Barcelona's Director of Institutional Relations, Guillermo Amor on Spanish TV on Sunday night that the club had been in contact with Griezmann's representatives over a possible move, clearly angered Atletico.

Atletico are currently in second place behind Barcelona in the La Liga.

--IANS

pur/bg