A Mössbauer study has been carried out on different oxides with the general formula (A, A′)2M0.50Fe0.50O4 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba: A′=La; M=Li, Mg, Zn, Ga, Ni). In all these phases with K2NiF4-type-derived structure the distortion of the (FeO6) octahedra is sufficient to stabilize a high spin state for iron (IV) {Mathematical expression}. An interpretation of the evolution of Mössbauer parameters is proposed, based on bond competition considerations. © 1990 J.C. Baltzer AG, Scientific Publishing Company.