Barcelona, a famous football club known for its spectacular players and thrilling matches, is facing yet another tough situation. Recently, the club made moves to register two new players, Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, but unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. The club missed a crucial deadline due to late payments, leaving Olmo and Víctor in limbo and unable to play. This is just the latest chapter in Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles that date back a few years.
Why Olmo and Víctor’s Registrations Have Failed
The heart of the problem lies in a payment of €28 million that Barcelona received from VIP box sales at the iconic Spotify Camp Nou. This money was intended to help register new players with LaLiga, the top football league in Spain. However, the payment arrived too late, after the deadline of December 31st had passed. As a result, both LaLiga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) turned down Barcelona’s request to register Olmo and Víctor. Missing deadlines like this can be quite serious for a team trying to build a strong roster.
Barcelona’s Long-Standing Financial Woes
Since 2021, Barcelona has been battling severe financial issues, inheriting a staggering debt of €1.2 billion. This means they have borrowed a lot of money, and it’s been tough for the club to straighten things out. The club has made several attempts to improve its situation, including selling assets (like players) and cutting salaries, but those efforts have not completely solved the problem.
Temporary Registrations and Their Expiry
Initially, Olmo and Víctor were given temporary registrations, which allowed them to join the team while waiting for their formal registrations. This temporary status was only possible because of an injury to teammate Andreas Christensen. However, these registrations expired on December 31st, which means they can’t play until the situation is resolved. It’s a difficult time for these players, who are eager to contribute to the team.
What Next for Olmo and Víctor?
Barcelona is not taking this setback lightly. The club has decided to take legal action to challenge the rejection of the registrations. This means they hope to overturn the decision made by LaLiga and RFEF, which would allow Olmo and Víctor to play sooner rather than later. But the process might take some time, so fans are left wondering when they will finally see these talented players on the field.
Barça’s Previous Financial Maneuvers
Through the years, Barcelona has tried many ways to deal with its financial difficulties. From selling significant assets to adjusting player wages, the club is exploring various tactics just to comply with LaLiga’s strict Financial Fair Play regulations. Unfortunately, two court cases they pursued to challenge LaLiga’s financial rules ended badly for the club, increasing pressure to find new solutions.
A New Forward in Barcelona’s Future?
In the midst of all this, Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, is also raising concerns about the team’s current setup. He has urgently requested that the club’s board look for a new forward, highlighting the need for a consistent striker to enhance the team’s performance. Given that Olmo and Víctor cannot play, securing new talent may be vital for Barcelona as they aim to improve their chances in this season’s competitions.
Table of Financial Issues
| Year | Debt (€ million) | Registration Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1200 | Struggles with new player registrations |
| 2023 | Pending updates | Legal actions in progress |
