BARCELONA: La Liga on Sunday released a statement saying Lionel Messi’s Barcelona contract was still valid, days after his shock announcement that he wants to leave the club and hours after he failed to attend a pre-season medical on Sunday.
The ruling body said the only way for the Argentine forward to be released from the contract was to trigger a 700-million euros (USD 833 million) release clause.
“In compliance with the applicable rule, La Liga will not approve a request to be de-registered as a player with the Spanish football federation, unless the amount in the release clause has been paid,” a statement issued by La Liga said. (Reuters)
