Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have found a surprising ally in Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique, over the transfer bans imposed on both the Madrid clubs. FIFA released a statement on Thursday stating that the two Madrid clubs' appeals against their one-year transfer bans for breaking rules in protecting underage players had been rejected. Barcelona received a similar ban two years ago.
"I think I said it was unjust when we were banned, no? Well, I think the same now. Luckily, we managed to get over our ban." Enrique was quoted saying in his pre-match conference yesterday. The former Barcelona player continued, "Both Madrid sides have great squads to deal with the bans. But I hope they don't have the same results as us during their bans." He was speaking ahead of Barcelona's La Liga game against Alaves on Saturday.
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Barcelona vice-president Carles Vilarubbi also said that the ban imposed on the two sides was unjust as he took this opportunity to criticise the media over their unfair reporting at the time when Barcelona received such a ban. He said, "We got no support from anyone. The media in our country should go back and take a look at some of the things they wrote when FIFA sanctioned Barcelona."
Also read: Why the transfer ban would be a blessing in disguise for Real Madrid
The Madrid clubs had their appeal quashed as Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane stated this decision as being absurd. Both the clubs are not going to appeal in the Court of Arbitration against the charges.
Zidane's four sons are among the players which prompted FIFA's sanctions which the Frenchman found baffling. He said, "I do not understand it and it annoys me. It is absurd. The club want this changed quickly and I hope it will be. My kids were born here and have spent their whole lives here, so it is absurd they cannot play football."
Also read: Transfer Rumours: Real Madrid and Barcelona keeping tabs on Evander Ferreira
Real Madrid may find it tough to challenge for the next two seasons as they chose not to add reinforcements this summer. This may prove costly with the transfer ban being imposed on them and rivals Barcelona being free to sign players in the transfer window. The ban could be even more harmful to Atletico Madrid as the club does not have the same squad depth as Real and Barcelona.
