Simón and Iñaki Williams explain Athletic’s dispute with the board

Unai Simón and Iñaki Williams addressed the media after Athletic’s match at Balaídos to explain what has dominated the club in recent days—beyond the strictly sporting side—despite the team’s need for points. Both players insist the move was meant as a signal inside the club and that they want personal matters separated from professional ones.

The Athletic goalkeeper kicked off by apologising: “First I’m sorry. It was a tool to send a message to the board and the president.” He said the idea was to meet before the Barça game and that the issue concerns internal club matters, some linked to details from previous seasons rather than only the players’ side, involving also workers (including the women’s team).

Relationship and outside noise

Simón also played down the media focus on invitations. He argued that “we are willing to pay them, but there are lots of things that snowballed,” adding that “there is more noise outside than what it really is.” In his view, the best approach is to handle it internally: “It’s better to talk it all internally.”

For his part, Iñaki Williams, the captain, said the protest had a broader purpose: “It was the moment to do something; we joined the workers’ protest, and we have to prioritise what the Athletic is.” He added that while he understands why the discussion has centred on invitations, “the ticket issue is the least of it,” noting that “there is more to it.”

He also confirmed that Jon Uriarte has already spoken with the captains and that the dressing room will meet the president in the coming days. Finally, Simón did not want to advance the date of that meeting, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.