Athletic Bilbao banned from registering players for three windows, until summer 2028 | OneFootball

FIFA confirmed on Thursday that Athletic Club have been banned from registering new players for the next three transfer windows, meaning they cannot make signings before summer 2028.

The case relates to an irregularity involving the winter 2025 loan of goalkeeper Alex Padilla.

Athletic operate a distinctive model, relying heavily on their academy and fielding only players of Basque origin or trained in the Basque Country.

They do, however, make external additions on occasion. This summer they signed right-back Jesus Areso from Osasuna.

They also brought back centre-back Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr, a defender formed at the club.

Source: L'Équipe