LaLiga on Wednesday confirmed that Barcelona still does not have the financial capacity to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, ahead of a decision by Spain’s sports council (CSD) regarding their eligibility to play.
The Catalan club was granted temporary licenses by LaLiga to register Olmo and Victor last summer. However, those registrations were revoked in January after LaLiga stated that Barcelona failed to meet the league’s financial requirements by the December 31 deadline.
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CSD appeal and pending ruling
Following an appeal, Spain’s sports council (CSD) allowed Barcelona to temporarily reinstate the duo, with a final ruling on their registrations expected by April 7.
Barcelona, currently leading LaLiga and in the Champions League quarter-finals, announced a deal on January 3 to sell VIP boxes at their Nou Camp stadium—currently under redevelopment—to raise €100 million (£83m). However, LaLiga claimed the deal was not reflected in the accounts Barcelona submitted to the league for the 2024-25 season and that the agreement had been approved by a different, unnamed auditor.
LaLiga’s official statement
In an official statement, LaLiga said, “No amount from the [VIP box deal] is ultimately recorded in the profit and loss accounts, contrary to what had been certified by the club and the auditor at the time of said transaction.” The league also stated it would report the auditor to the Accounting and Auditing Institute.
The statement further added: “LaLiga said that Barcelona did not have, as of December 31, 2024, or on January 3, 2025, nor has it had since that date, nor does it currently have, [the financial fair play capacity] for the registration of players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.”
Laporta dismisses claims
In response, Barcelona president Joan Laporta dismissed the league’s claims, calling the letter “an attempt to damage the club’s image and go against FC Barcelona’s interests.” He emphasized that Barcelona’s legal team would respond “as forcefully as necessary” and questioned the timing of the letter, as his team was set to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final later that day.
“Three months ago, I said that Olmo and Pau Victor’s registrations had been carried out correctly, following each one of the requirements demanded by the RFEF [Spanish Football Federation] and La Liga, and this is still the case,” Laporta added.
Olmo and Victor’s current season
Olmo, 26, joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig in a £52 million deal last summer and has made 28 appearances this season, including 13 since the CSD’s ruling. Victor, 23, a product of Barcelona’s academy, has played 22 times this season, including five appearances since the ruling.
