La Liga clarifies position on Messi contract saga
La Liga have released an official statement confirming the validity of the 700 million Euros release clause in Lionel Messi’s contract in the wake of the current transfer saga involving the Argentine forward and the club.
Lionel Messi had shocked the entire footballing world some days ago when news emerged that the forward had officially informed Barcelona of his intention to leave the club. The Barcelona legend did not only declare that he would be leaving the club, it was also reported that he informed the Barcelona management that he would like to activate a clause in his contract which would allow him to leave for free at the end of the season.
Barcelona, whilst acknowledging Messi’s decision to leave however disagreed with Messi on the application of the clause, stating that the clause had become invalid as the player was mandated to inform the club about his decision by June, which means that the only way the 33-year old would be allowed to leave the club is if his 700 million Euros release clause is triggered.
Messi on his part argues that the clause in the contract remains valid due to the nature of the current season. The coronavirus pandemic had led to an unexpected extension of the football season across Europe and Messi maintains that the clause remains valid because the season has only just ended.
In an official statement released today, La Liga made some clarifications with regards to the player’s contract situation with Barcelona stating that Lionel Messi’s contract is “currently in force with a termination clause applicable to the event that Lionel Andes Messi decides to activate the early unilateral termination of the contract, carried out in accordance with article 16 of Royal Decree 1006/1985, of June 26 which regulates the special employment relationship of professional athletes.”
The statement also added that “in compliance with the applicable regulations, and following the corresponding procedure in these cases, La Liga will not carry out the prior visa process for the player to be removes from the federation if they have not previously paid the amount of said clause.”
Messi did not turn up at the club today for the mandatory coronavirus tests which means that he will not be able to join the team during the first training session tomorrow. Talks are currently ongoing to find a solution but La Liga’s stance suggests that Barcelona may have the advantage in what is looking likely to become a long drawn summer transfer saga.
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