Atletico Madrid have been successful in their attempt to appeal a transfer ban enforced onto the club.
In July 2016, the La Liga side were hit with a two-window ban from registering players as well as a fine of 900,000 Swiss Francs after breaching FIFA rules in terms of the way they went about recruiting young players.
Cross-town rivals Real Madrid were initially given the same punishment, though it was confirmed in December that they would see their sanction halved following an appeal.
Atletico's fine has been reduced to 550,000 Swiss Francs, which is equivalent to £439,873.
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However their transfer ban remains, in what is a monumental blow for Atletico and their summer dealings.
As was the case with Barcelona a couple of years back, Atletico are still able to sign players, though they will not be able to register them for domestic and European competition until January 2018, meaning any new signings will not be available for selection.
Image: PA
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On their official club website, Atletico have issued the following statement on the matter, referencing the different treatment Real Madrid received:
"We consider that the decision to support the prohibition of registering players in a second period, corresponding to the summer of 2017, poses an unfair disadvantage and discriminatory treatment to our entity, since recently and in a similar case, the penalty was partially lifted, allowing to register players starting on July 1st. This ruling is unfair and causes an irreparable damage to our club.
"The resolution has been communicated after the time limit established in the agreement signed by the parts, which finished yesterday, May 31st, 2017. This shows a lack of respect for our institution.
"We want to reiterate that we have been penalised despite strictly complying with the Spanish legislation, as we have always processed all our licenses with Madrid's Football Federation, as the Sports Law indicates.
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"Our sports planning for next season has contemplated at all times the two scenarios that could arise once CAS announced their decision. From this moment on, the club will move forward in the negotiations necessary to formalise the operations to register players from the 1st of January, when we will be authorized by FIFA to register new licenses.
"We have full confidence in our current squad, with which we have won direct passage to the Champions League for the fifth year in a row and have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and the King's Cup. The club has the commitment of the players and coaching staff to continue competing at the same level next season, despite this decision that is evidently detrimental to us. Together, team, club and supporters, we will continue to fight for our goals."
The real burning question following this news is what does it mean in regards to Antoine Griezmann's situation. Because of the £86m release clause in his contract, the Frenchman is able to leave the club should his clause be triggered by Manchester United, or any other club.
It would of course mean that should Griezmann leave, any replacement for Atletico, who have been extremely keen on Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, would be out of bounds until January.
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More to follow.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann, Real Madrid, La Liga
