La Liga Claims FC Barcelona Lacked Funds to Register Dani Olmo
La Liga stated that FC Barcelona lacks the financial capacity to register players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor due to ongoing financial fair play disputes. The controversy involves a questionable VIP seating rights deal. Barcelona's president criticized La Liga's timing, while the status of the players remains uncertain pending a ruling by April 7.
hassan benyoub 
Barcelona, April 2, 2025 – The Spanish football governing body, La Liga, announced on Wednesday that FC Barcelona has never had the financial capacity to register players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, neither in December 2024 nor at present. The statement intensifies an ongoing dispute between the club and La Liga over financial fair play (FFP) regulations, casting uncertainty over the players’ futures.
Financial Fair Play Dispute
The controversy stems from Barcelona’s January announcement of a deal to sell VIP seating rights at the under-renovation Camp Nou to Qatari and Emirati companies. Valued at an estimated €100 million over 20 years, the club claimed the transaction would bring them into compliance with FFP rules. However, La Liga disputes this, asserting that “no funds from the VIP box agreement have been recorded in the club’s profit-and-loss accounts,” contradicting certifications provided by Barcelona and its auditor at the time of the deal.
In a strongly worded statement, La Liga said: “Barcelona did not have the financial fair play capacity to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor on December 31, 2024, January 3, 2025, or at any point since, including now.” The league has also reported the club’s auditor to authorities for allegedly validating the financial maneuvers between late December and early January, aimed at securing the necessary funds.
Barcelona’s Response
Barcelona president Joan Laporta fired back, suggesting the timing of La Liga’s statement was no accident. Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid, he said: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this comes on the day of a big match. It’s another attempt to destabilize our team. Sometimes, when they can’t beat us on the pitch, they try to do it off it.”
The club has faced scrutiny over its finances for months, yet it remains a dominant force in La Liga, recently thrashing Girona 4-1 to keep rivals Real Madrid at bay.
Players’ Status in Limbo
Dani Olmo and Pau Victor were temporarily registered at the season’s start due to an injury to Danish defender Andreas Christensen. However, their temporary licenses expired on December 31, 2024. A provisional ruling by Spain’s Superior Sports Council (CSD) on January 8 allowed them to continue playing pending a final decision, expected no later than April 7. The outcome will determine whether Barcelona can retain the duo or face further sanctions.
La Liga’s Stance
La Liga’s latest move underscores its commitment to enforcing FFP rules, even as it draws criticism from Barcelona for allegedly targeting the club. The governing body insists its actions are about maintaining financial integrity across Spanish football, not settling scores.
As the legal and financial wrangling continues, Wednesday’s clash with Atlético Madrid offers Barcelona a chance to shift focus back to the pitch—though the off-field saga is far from over.
