La Liga has stated that Barcelona never had the financial capacity to register players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor and still do not, as Spain’s sports council (CSD) prepares to rule on the duo’s eligibility.
Barcelona previously claimed they had secured financial fair play (FFP) room through a €100 million ($108 million) VIP box deal at the Camp Nou, which is currently under reconstruction. However, La Liga has now dismissed the validity of that transaction.
According to La Liga, Barcelona used an unnamed auditor between December 31 and January 3 to record the deal in their financial books. However, their current auditor no longer includes it in the club’s interim financial statements for the 2024-25 season.
“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 the transaction,” said La Liga in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
The league also confirmed they would report Barcelona’s former auditor to Spain’s Accounting and Auditing Institute.
“Barcelona did not have it on December 31, 2024, or on January 3, 2025, nor has it had it since that date, nor does it currently have the financial fair play capacity for the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor,” La Liga added.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta reacted furiously to the league’s claims, particularly as they were released just before the club’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid.
“I feel that this is not by chance. Today, we’re playing a huge game against Atlético Madrid,” Laporta said.
“This is another attempt to destabilise our team. Sometimes I feel that since some can’t beat us on the pitch, they want to beat us off of it.
“As president of Barça, I will not allow this and will continue to defend the interests of our club.”
The issue stems from the temporary licences granted to Olmo and Victor after they joined last summer. Barcelona initially used an injury loophole following Andreas Christensen’s absence, allowing them to register the players temporarily.
However, when their short-term registrations expired in December, La Liga refused to renew them, leading Barcelona to take legal action. The CSD intervened on January 8, allowing the duo to continue playing until a final ruling is made by April 7.
Since then, Olmo (currently injured) has made 13 appearances, scoring two goals and providing four assists, while Victor has featured five times as a substitute.
Barcelona’s financial problems have persisted for years. In 2022, the club sold off various assets, including future television rights, to fund signings such as Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
If La Liga maintains its stance on Barcelona’s financial position, the club may struggle to make new signings in the summer unless they generate significant income through player sales.
