BARCELONA, Spain -- The Spanish soccer federation has given Barcelona what amounts to a token fine of $329 for negotiating with Antoine Griezmann while he was still under contract with Atletico Madrid.
[ MORE: FIFA agrees to limit fees paid to agents on transfer deals ]
Barcelona paid the France forward’s buyout clause of $131 million this summer, but Atletico made a complaint to the federation saying negotiations with Griezmann had started before that and without the club’s consent.
Atletico wanted Barcelona to pay $218 million, which was the initial buyout clause for Griezmann before it dropped to $131 million in July.
The federation also said Thursday that Griezmann was not at fault.
[ MORE: If Klopp left Liverpool, he would back Gerrard to replace him ]
Spanish media said Barcelona would appeal because it claimed there was no evidence of any irregularity.
Griezmann has scored three goals in seven matches since joining Barcelona. He played five seasons with Atletico.