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The Catalonia club denies any FIFA accusations regarding the illegal acquisition of underage footballers and intends to appeal the one-year ban on buying and selling players.
The Spanish champions will also turn to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport.
This was confirmed on Thursday evening by Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu at a press conference.
According to him, it is also clear that FIFA has gone too far and imposed inadequate sanctions for alleged violations when the team allegedly illegally added ten players under 18 between 2009 and 2013.
"We have become victims of injustice. I urge fans to support the club unitedly. I can promise that Barcelona will defend itself with all its might and do everything to prove that no violations were committed. In ten days, we will submit an appeal to FIFA, and we will also turn to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. I have spoken with FIFA's general secretary, who also believes that we have been punished too harshly. Tonight, I will also speak with FIFA President Sepp Blatter," said the Barcelona chief.
According to the Catalonia club's leader, Barcelona has no intention of changing the La Masia youth academy model and programs for training young players.
"We are surprised. We have now learned that FIFA planned sanctions against us in late November 2013, but we have only now been informed that Barcelona is banned from buying players. For 35 years, La Masia's methods have been considered exemplary, and they have not hindered anyone. There are not many clubs in the world that not only have programs to improve young footballers but also provide them with education. Now the parents of those footballers are upset; they want their offspring to continue their careers at Barcelona. The punishment we have received is illogical, too harsh, and excessive," Bartomeu observed.
The president also stressed that Barcelona will not compromise this time and will investigate everything thoroughly because this is not the first time such "attacks" have been made against the club.
"It is clear that there are people who are dissatisfied with the smooth operation of the team. These people are 'beyond the club.' Some are very unhappy that we are successful in many areas. This time we have started our investigation and we will not stop. As soon as we can, we will reveal the names of those responsible for these attacks," threatened the Catalan, adding that Barcelona already has "very interesting and eloquent evidence."
According to J. M. Bartomeu, the team is aware of FIFA's sanctions, but they do not intend to give up on their summer plans in the football market: "We are confident that the ban on buying and selling players will be lifted."
The leader of the Catalonia club did not want to comment further on the situation regarding the acquisition of Alen Halilović and Marc-André ter Stegen and their future prospects: "For now, everything is on hold. I do not yet know who will be the new goalkeeper for the club next season."
