Athletic Club players boycott media over ticket policy dispute

Athletic Club is facing internal conflict as players and veterans protest recent decisions by the board of directors, led by Jon Uriarte. The primary trigger is the club's decision to drastically reduce or eliminate complimentary match tickets for players, employees, former players, and former presidents. The board aims to maximize revenue by selling these seats to a long waiting list of members, but the move has been criticized as a departure from the club's traditions.

In a show of solidarity, the first-team squad boycotted media interviews following a match against Barcelona. This protest carries financial implications, as media availability is tied to LaLiga's television revenue distribution. While some club members support the move to increase revenue, others, including former captain Dani Ruiz Bazán, have expressed resentment over the lack of consultation with club legends and veterans.

Beyond the ticket issue, reports suggest underlying tensions regarding the club's management and daily operations. The situation has created a divide between the administration's focus on financial stability and the players' dissatisfaction with the sudden changes to institutional customs.