La Liga Insist On Payment Of Lionel Messi's Release Clause

Barcelona might yet be able to cash in on Lionel Messi walking away from the club as La Liga argued that the player's buyout stands despite its expiration. Messi has asked the club he wants to leave in a fax to the management and some top-flight clubs are on the lookout for signing the forward.

A FIFA representative has urged the Argentine to stay at the club because he risks ban and fine by the world governing body should a case be filed against his transfer. Even his lawyers are reportedly urging him to honour the release clause. 

Manchester City, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain understood to be amongst clubs in the to signing the forward now that they can sign him without having to consider the buyout clause. 

Whilst these controversies were going on, Spanish La Liga has waded in giving their position on the transfer of the striker and highest-paid player in the league throwing their weight behind Barcelona. 

"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," La Liga said in a statement.  

A lot has happened at the club since their humiliating exit from the Champions League semis after losing 8-2 to Bayern Munich en route winning their League for the first time in seven years. 

Ronald Koeman was appointed as the club new manager following the sacking of Quiqen Setien following the stunning defeat to the Bundesliga side. Eric Abidal was also sacked from his role as the club's sporting director over the defeat. 

Barcelona have called the six-time Ballon d'Or winner to resume at the training for their pre-season fixtures but has failed to honour the invitation.