Lionel Messi Risks FIFA Ban, Fine Amidst Barcelona's Desire To Sell Cheaper Than Buyout Clause

Lionel Messi is ready to part ways with Barcelona where he has spent all his professional career as he can  now leave as a free agent as stipulated in his contract with the club. One thing is, he risks being handed a ban and fine by FIFA. 

Barcelona are presently experiencing a tremendous shake-up since being humiliated by Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League 8-2 defeat in the semis that was the Spaniards' worst in their 150 years history. That has culminated in the sacking of former sporting director Eric Abidal and replacment of Quiqen Setien by Ronald Koeman as the new head coach. 

Messi, who had expressed his frustration with the team since losing this season's La Liga title quest to Real Madrid, has handed the club a request to leave as a free agent despite having a season left in his contract. Though his contract allows him to leave for free, FIFA rules might be in the way and that might amount to being banned and fined according to the world governing body's representative. 

Speaking on the Argentine's attempt to leave Barca, Nick de Marco QC, a representative of the governing body, advised the player to resolve any differences with the club just so that he will not have himself to blame afterward. Marco explained that the striker's intention to just walk away because he feels "entitled to" might end badly even for his new club. 

"The risk with that strategy is, although FIFA will normally allow the registration to move with the player," de Macro pointed out. "If the club then brings a claim and succeeds, not only is the player liable to [pay] damages but also is likely to be banned under FIFA rules for a period of months and the new club signing him have a transfer embargo."

However, Messi is not lacking interest from top flight clubs that have lined up for the grab on his exit from Nou Camp. Amongst these clubs is Manchester City, Man. United, Liverpool, and Paris Saint Germain. 

One detterent in his contract was the buyout which was £636million and now that it is expired, Barca are ready to sell for far less than that but will be a new football record-breaking transfer. 

Selling Messi will be at a price that will topple Neymar's record transfer to PSG as Barcelona are looking at £199million. a fee that will eclipse the Brazilian's fee to the Ligue 1 champions by £1million according to Catalan broadcaster RAC.