FIFA has lifted the sanction that prevented Athletic Bilbao from registering players during three transfer windows. The decision came after the Basque club resolved a "dispute over training rights" with Pumas from Mexico, related to goalkeeper Alex Padilla. The governing body of world football had included Athletic on the list of clubs banned from registering athletes due to this litigation. However, sources close to the club's management assured the Spanish press that the situation has been regularized. "FIFA confirmed to Athletic that they have met the requirement needed to be removed from the Registration Ban List and that, within a maximum of 5 days, they will be removed from it," they stated. It is worth noting that the conflict originated from the early return of Alex Padilla, who had been on loan to Pumas since January 2025. The goalkeeper, usually a starter in the Cup under the choice of Ernesto Valverde, the Basque coach, had a loan agreement for one season, with an option to extend for another. However, the loan of Agirrezabala to Valencia led Athletic Bilbao to activate a return clause. This operation involved a payment of 300,000 euros and generated disagreement with the Mexican club over compensation for the player's rights, an issue that the Basque emblem has already resolved.
Athletic Bilbao Alex Padilla remains central to this story.
Athletic Bilbao Alex Padilla remains central to this story.
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