Barcelona Execs Meet With FIFA To Defend Club's Youth Academy, Appeal Sanctions

Barcelona was scheduled to present an appeal in Zurich on Tuesday to FIFA over sanctions for breaching provisions concerning the int'l transfer of non-Spanish minors, according to Francesc Perearnau of MUNDO DEPORTIVO. The "sanctions have been delayed because FIFA granted a suspension following allegations by Barcelona that required a profound and careful analysis." Through various testimonies, Barcelona is "aiming to show that the irregularities have nothing to do with violating the rights of minors or trafficking immigrants." The club claims that its youth academy, La Masia, "guides the formation of footballers." Barcelona personnel in Zurich include La Masia Dir Carles Folguera, two youth academy players and "the especially striking" testimony of Clemente Villaverde, a councilor and manager at rival Atlético Madrid (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 8/19).