An update on the efforts of La Liga giants Barcelona to add ever further to the club’s base of up-and-coming young talent has been provided late on Friday.
Unfortunately for all associated with the Blaugrana, however, the news has proven of a less than positive nature.
For those not aware, the powers that be at the Camp Nou were at the heart of a bizarre transfer deadline day story in Spain.
This came upon Barca striking a deal with MLS outfit LA Galaxy, over the signing of defender Julian Araujo.
A senior Mexican international, Araujo is highly regarded across MLS circles, having already notched a century of appearances for the Galaxy at the age of just 21.
Upon hearing of the interest of one of world football’s biggest clubs in his services, though, the right-back is understood to have made crystal clear his desire to move on.
As confirmed by FIFA, the official documents were submitted to their offices too late.
Barcelona, desperate to remedy the situation, therefore went on to submit a request to football’s governing body for the transfer to be pushed through, arguing that a ‘system error’ culminated in their formal documentation being sent just 18 seconds too late.
As alluded to above, though, such efforts have, on Friday, officially come up short.
As confirmed by a FIFA spokesperson, the body have opted to stand by the stance that “the transfer of the player Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy to FC Barcelona was not completed in line with the applicable regulations.”
From a FIFA spokesperson: “FIFA can confirm that the transfer of the player Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy to FC Barcelona was not completed in line with the applicable regulations.” Just soul-crushing for Araujo. #lagalaxy
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) February 3, 2023
Manchester United team news & predicted line-up vs Crystal Palace
