Inaki Williams, forward for Athletic Club
Ghanaian forward Iñaki Williams has added his voice to the chorus of concern regarding Barcelona’s registration of Dani Olmo.
Olmo’s registration has sparked heated debate in the football world, and now, Athletic Bilbao striker Williams has expressed his astonishment at the situation.
He questioned the perceived inconsistencies in the application of the rules, leaving him to wonder if fairness and equality are being upheld in football.
Barcelona’s failure to register the Spaniard before the transfer window in January initially meant Olmo was free to leave the Blaugrana. However, the five-time Champions League winners made several efforts to secure Olmo’s registration, allowing him to now feature for the club.
Speaking after Athletic Bilbao’s Super Cup semi-final defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Iñaki criticized the apparent disparities in how the transfer rules are applied, warning that the situation could send Spanish football into turmoil.
“I think all football fans are surprised in the same way because it seems like the rules are not equal for everyone. But in the end, we are not the ones who decide, and if those who decide have made this decision, they must have a reason, but it never ceases to surprise us.
I think the image of Spanish football could suffer a bit because of this big division, as there are many things that are not understood,” he said.
Iñaki has scored eight goals in La Liga and the Europa League across 24 games this season. He thought he had scored his first goal in the 2024/25 Super Cup when he found the net in the 86th minute to pull one back for Athletic Bilbao, only for VAR to rule it out for offside.
FKA/EK
