FIFA Gives Athletic Bilbao The Nod In Pursuit Of Al Nassr's Aymeric Laporte

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 08:04 IST

The Basque side tried to rope in the Spanish defender from the Saudi Arabian club on September 1, but the move was not completed before the transfer deadline.

Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte (AP/PTI)

FIFA, the world governing body, has changed its stance on Spanish side Athletic Bilbao’s quest to sign Aymeric Laporte from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

The Basque side tried to rope in the Spanish defender from the Saudi Arabian club on September 1, but the move was not completed before the transfer deadline.

“Athletic Club would like to report that FIFA has authorised the RFEF to obtain the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from the Saudi Arabian football federation," said Athletic.

“Once the ITC is issued, Aymeric Laporte can be registered with Athletic Club," the statement continued.

Last week, FIFA initially denied the Spanish football federation’s (RFEF) request for an exception regarding Laporte’s transfer. However, Athletic reported that the RFEF’s appeal to overturn the decision has now been successful. Spanish media indicated that Al-Nassr failed to input the transfer details into FIFA’s Transfer Matching System online. Laporte, 31, moved from Athletic to Manchester City in 2018 before transferring to Al-Nassr in 2023.

Laporte was one of the twelve overseas players registered by Al Nassr for their upcoming Asian Champions League II event alongside Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Otavio, Sadio Mane, Kinglsey Coman, Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Marcelo Brozovic, Angelo, Bento and Wesley.

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News sports FIFA Gives Athletic Bilbao The Nod In Pursuit Of Al Nassr's Aymeric Laporte

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