The ongoing financial struggles of FC Barcelona have once again come to light, casting a shadow over the eligibility of their players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. La Liga, Spain’s top football league, has asserted that Barcelona lacked the necessary financial fair play (FFP) capacity to register the two players, both in December 2024 and January 2025, and continues to lack it even now. This declaration comes ahead of a crucial decision by Spain’s sports council (CSD) regarding the players’ eligibility to compete. The central issue revolves around a complex financial transaction involving the sale of VIP boxes at the club’s Camp Nou stadium, which is currently under reconstruction.
In January, Barcelona announced a deal for the sale of these VIP boxes, reportedly worth €100 million ($108 million). This deal, according to the club, provided the necessary FFP room to register Olmo and Victor. However, La Liga’s statement reveals discrepancies in how this deal has been accounted for. An unnamed auditor, employed by Barcelona between December 31 and January 3, initially recorded the transaction in the club’s books. However, this entry has subsequently been removed from the club’s interim financial statements for the first part of the 2024-25 season by their current auditor. This discrepancy has prompted La Liga to raise serious concerns.
La Liga’s statement explicitly states that “no amount from the (VIP box deal) is ultimately recorded in the profit and loss accounts,” contradicting the initial certification by Barcelona and their previous auditor. This effectively nullifies the financial boost that the club claimed to have gained from the deal, leaving them short of the required funds to register Olmo and Victor under FFP regulations. The league’s strong stance is underscored by their decision to report the auditor involved in the initial recording of the VIP box deal to the Accounting and Auditing Institute. This move signals a potential investigation into the accounting practices employed by Barcelona and their previous auditor.
The timing of these events is critical. On January 8, the CSD granted Barcelona precautionary permission to play Olmo and Victor, despite La Liga’s assertion that the club had failed to register them before the December deadline. This temporary licence allowed the players to participate in matches pending a final ruling by the CSD. This ruling, expected by April 7, will definitively determine the players’ long-term eligibility and could have significant implications for Barcelona’s season. The initial short-term registration of the players was facilitated by a loophole related to an injury to defender Andreas Christensen, further complicating the situation.
The controversy surrounding Olmo and Victor’s registration highlights the precarious financial situation at Barcelona. This is not the first time the club has faced scrutiny over its financial dealings and adherence to FFP regulations. The club has been grappling with significant debt and has implemented various cost-cutting measures in recent years. This current situation underscores the ongoing challenge Barcelona faces in balancing its sporting ambitions with its financial realities. The CSD’s upcoming decision will be pivotal, potentially impacting not only the players’ futures at the club but also the wider financial landscape of Barcelona’s operations.
The lack of comment from Barcelona in response to AFP’s inquiry further adds to the intrigue. The club’s silence suggests a potential strategic approach to handling the unfolding situation, possibly awaiting the CSD’s final decision before making any public statements. This silence also leaves room for speculation and further analysis of the financial dealings surrounding the VIP box sale and the implications for the club’s future. The situation remains fluid and will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point in the coming weeks as the CSD’s decision draws closer. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future FFP interpretations and further shape La Liga’s regulatory framework.
