Athletic Bilbao Players Boycott Club Over President's Management

Athletic Bilbao players, dissatisfied with the club's management, have taken a decisive step by imposing a media blackout. This move signals their anger and protest against decisions made by the board of directors, chaired by Jon Uriarte. The dressing room reportedly disagrees with the actions taken, especially given the players' central role in many of them.

Following their match against Barcelona, the players refused to give statements to the media. This action will negatively impact the economic bonus distributed among teams at the end of the season, as media engagement is a factor contributing 25% of the clubs' remuneration.

However, the players' decision isn't solely about the withdrawal of match invitations, which is set to take effect from the first weekend of September. Limiting the protest to this aspect alone would be detrimental to the players, exposing them to criticism from club members and fans. For many, it would legitimize the management's actions. The protest also encompasses other daily club issues that the players have previously dealt with without public complaint.

Since Uriarte took the helm, Athletic has been clear about the economic foundations of its management. "The club model we seek doesn't align with everyone's views, but it's ours: financial balance and maximum sporting ambition," the president explained to club members when Athletic became one of the first clubs to allow cameras into the dressing rooms before matches. Filming footage from the dressing room at such a special moment – the traditional team prayer, the "Our Father," before a match became popular – boosts points for bonus distribution, without forgetting that this might make the main protagonists uncomfortable.

The meeting between management and players now takes on even greater significance, as the division has become public. There is no information yet on whether the boycott plan will continue this Sunday after the match against Celta, or if there will be a temporary truce. For now, personal interviews, previously arranged for the last two weeks, remain postponed.

Without participation in European competitions, Athletic is not a sustainable club in the long term. This was stated months ago by President Uriarte, who announced that the balance sheet for the 2026/27 season, in which Athletic will transition from Champions League participation to a lack of continental tournament involvement, would show losses.

In an effort to increase economic resources, the club introduced various VIP experiences at San Mamés, some priced up to 700 euros per match. Players are also central to these experiences, as those who purchase certain ticket types can watch the warm-up from the pitch or participate in a meet-and-greet with first-team players after the match.

Budgetary constraints have also affected the Lezama training ground, as well as various aspects of the youth academies, with new measures regarding dietary regimes, the use of club canteens, and staff reorganization. Despite this, Athletic continues with its project to expand its training facilities and is exploring the possibility and cost of adding approximately 2,400 seats to San Mamés stadium.