Lionel Messi is expected to join PSG after leaving Barcelona. However, a complaint has now been filed with the European Commission to prevent the French club from signing the player.
The Argentinian forward has been offered a contract worth €40 million per season. In addition, the Barcelona members have outlined that PSG used 99% of their income to pay player salaries while Barcelona only used 54% of their income to do so. As a result, they believe that financial fair play should rule out their pursuit of the 34-year-old.
The complaint has been sent to the court and a decision is now pending. The people against the move believe that PSG are manipulating the game by using their financial power. They have signed Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Gini Wijnaldum, Achraf Hakimi and extended the contract of Neymar as well.
With players like Kylian Mbappe, Marco Verratti and Marquinhos also commanding a high salary, PSG’s pursuit of the player could be stopped if they are found to be in violation of the rules. Joan Laporta was unable to renew a contract with Messi because even with a 50% reduction in salary, the wage budget was 110% of Barcelona’s capacity.
The player would not have been allowed to play for free according to Spanish laws, and it is due to financial reasons alone that Messi and Barcelona have parted ways after 21 glorious years. If the move is given the green light by both parties, it could be confirmed as early as August 10th.