Football ruling body FIFA has confirmed receiving a complaint from Atletico Madrid who say Spanish league leaders FC Barcelona have illegally contacted their forward Antoine Griezmann.
“We have received a complaint from Atletico Madrid about Griezmann’s case,’’ a FIFA spokesman told newsmen on Wednesday, without commenting further on the case.
The 26-year-old Frenchman Griezmann renewed his contract at Atletico in summer until 2022.
According to FIFA rules, he cannot be approached by interested clubs until the final six months of his contract.
Spanish news reports said Atletico have proof that Griezmann has been contacted by Barca over a possible transfer.
Reports also said that Atletico were not seeking compensation or requesting sanctions for FC Barcelona, but wanted to bring the matter to the attention of FIFA.
Griezmann, who came to Atletico in 2014, has been linked with several top clubs, including Manchester United.
His release sum was halved to 100 million Euros (118 million dollars) on Sept. 1.
At Barca, he can fill the void Neymar left in summer when he moved on to Paris Saint-Germain for a world record fee of 222 million Euros. (dpa/NAN)