Barcelona president Joan Laporta has fired back at La Liga after the league released a statement questioning the club’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) compliance and the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. The issue revolves around Barcelona’s VIP boxes deal, which generated €100 million in revenue but has been dismissed by La Liga as insufficient to meet salary cap regulations.
An outraged Laporta strongly criticized the timing of the statement, as it came just hours before Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semifinal against Atlético Madrid. The Blaugrana emerged victorious in that encounter, setting up a final showdown against Real Madrid, but tensions between the club and La Liga continue to rise.
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Laporta Lashes Out at La Liga’s Intentions
Laporta did not hold back in his response, hinting at a deliberate effort to destabilize the club. “Sometimes I feel like this isn’t a coincidence. Today we’re playing a final in Madrid against Atlético, which I hope will be a great spectacle. The fact that they’re coming out and stirring up controversies of this kind isn’t a coincidence. It’s yet another attempt to destabilize our team,” Laporta said via Mundo Deportivo.
The Barcelona chief suggested that the league was attempting to hinder the club off the pitch since they were unable to do so on it. “Sometimes I have the feeling that what they can’t beat us on the pitch, they try to beat us in the offices, and as president of Barça, I can’t allow this. I will continue to defend the interests of our club, in defense of our members, fans, and supporters.”
Laporta also revealed that Barcelona’s legal department is already analyzing La Liga’s letter and will respond accordingly. “The club will respond once the legal department has thoroughly analyzed La Liga’s letter. We will respond in the most forceful manner necessary to defend the interests of FC Barcelona.”
La Liga Challenges Barcelona’s Finances
La Liga claims that as of December 31, 2024, and January 3, 2025, Barcelona did not have the financial capacity to register Olmo and Victor. This contradicts an earlier decision that had allowed the players to be temporarily registered by Spain’s sport ministry in January.
The league stated: “The financial statements show Barcelona did not have on Dec. 31, 2024, nor on Jan. 3, 2025, nor since that date the capacity to register Olmo and Víctor.”
Barcelona had expected their VIP boxes deal—which secured €100 million in revenue—to contribute toward their FFP compliance, but La Liga has disputed its validity. The league’s abrupt re-evaluation of the case has raised further concerns within the Barcelona camp.
Laporta Demands Answers
Reacting to La Liga’s stance, Laporta questioned the league’s inconsistent decision-making, accusing them of unfairly targeting the club. “We will respond back to La Liga. They want to attack our interests. La Liga approved signings of Pau Victor and Olmo and now they’ve changed their minds. Why? Did they do a bad job in the first place when they approved the operations?”
Laporta also criticized the timing of La Liga’s announcement, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to disrupt Barcelona’s preparation for a major fixture. “We’re playing a key match tonight and La Liga is communicating this morning. Strange! They can’t beat us on the pitch, so they act off it.”
Despite the off-field turmoil, Barcelona secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano to book a place in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. However, the battle between Barcelona and La Liga is far from over. With the club’s financial struggles under scrutiny and the league taking a hard stance, tensions are likely to escalate in the coming weeks. Laporta has vowed to defend the club’s interests, ensuring this saga is set to continue.
FAQs
Why is Joan Laporta criticizing La Liga?
Joan Laporta believes La Liga is unfairly targeting Barcelona by questioning their Financial Fair Play (FFP) compliance and blocking the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.
What is the controversy surrounding Barcelona’s VIP boxes deal?
Barcelona generated €100 million from their VIP boxes deal, but La Liga claims it does not meet FFP regulations, leading to a dispute over the club’s finances.
What did La Liga say about Barcelona’s financial situation?
La Liga stated that Barcelona did not have the financial capacity to register Olmo and Victor as of December 31, 2024, and January 3, 2025, despite previously approving their signings.
How did Barcelona respond to La Liga’s accusations?
Joan Laporta vowed to take legal action, stating that the club’s legal team is analyzing the situation and will respond to La Liga’s claims forcefully.
Did the controversy impact Barcelona’s performance on the pitch?
No, despite the off-field drama, Barcelona defeated Atlético Madrid 3-2 to reach the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Real Madrid.
