Barcelona finds itself under scrutiny once again as La Liga raises concerns over the club’s financial dealings, specifically regarding the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.
The league claims that the Catalan giants have failed to comply with financial fair play regulations, citing discrepancies in the club’s accounting of a €100 million VIP seating sale. With the Spanish government’s high sports council (CSD) set to rule on the matter by April 7, the controversy surrounding Barcelona’s financial operations continues to grow.
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The Role of an Unnamed Auditor
According to La Liga, Barcelona hired an auditor on December 31, who played a pivotal role in the club securing approval for Olmo and Victor’s registration. This auditor, engaged for just four days, issued a certificate confirming that the sale of VIP seating to Middle Eastern investors was accurately reported as income in the club’s profit and loss statement for the 2024-25 season.
This certification allowed Barcelona to meet financial fair play conditions and subsequently receive the Spanish government’s approval to register Olmo and Victor. However, La Liga argues that this transaction was not properly accounted for in previous financial statements submitted by two other auditing firms, raising doubts about its legitimacy.
Conflicting Financial Reports Raise Red Flags
The ongoing issue stems from inconsistencies in Barcelona’s financial reports. Prior to hiring the unnamed auditor, the club worked with Grant Thornton, which submitted an interim financial statement (IFS) on December 31 that did not include any mention of the VIP seating sale. After the four-day stint of the unnamed auditor, Barcelona then employed Crowe, which also failed to acknowledge the transaction in its review submitted to La Liga.
Given these contradictions, La Liga contends that “Barcelona did not, as of December 31, 2024, or January 3, 2025, nor does it currently, have any positive balance or registration capacity, publicly known as ‘Fair Play’, to register the players Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor.” As a result, the league has adjusted Barcelona’s squad cost limit, effectively nullifying the financial impact of the disputed VIP seating sale.
La Liga’s Next Steps
With mounting concerns over the club’s financial maneuvering, La Liga has taken further action. The league has formally notified Barcelona of the squad cost limit reduction and has also reported the matter to the CSD, which is now reviewing the case. Additionally, La Liga intends to file an official complaint with Spain’s Institute of Accounting and Auditing against the auditor employed by Barcelona between December 31 and January 3.
Meanwhile, Barcelona has remained silent on the issue, declining to provide any official response. Grant Thornton and Crowe, the two auditing firms previously engaged by the club, have also been approached for comments.
On-Field Success Amid Off-Field Controversy
Despite financial turbulence, Barcelona’s performances on the pitch remain unaffected. Under Hansi Flick, the team has gone 19 matches unbeaten, staying in contention for three major trophies. The club currently sits atop La Liga, has advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, and is preparing for a crucial Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
During this period, Dani Olmo has made 12 appearances across all competitions, while Pau Victor has featured three times. Their contributions have been instrumental in Barcelona’s pursuit of silverware, even as the club faces scrutiny over their financial dealings.
Awaiting the Verdict
The case now hinges on the CSD’s ruling, expected by April 7. Should the council side with La Liga, Barcelona may be forced to make further financial adjustments, potentially affecting their ability to register players in future transfer windows.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges Barcelona faces in adhering to financial fair play regulations while maintaining competitiveness at the highest level. For now, the club continues to operate under a cloud of uncertainty, with its financial strategy once again coming under intense examination.
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FAQs
Why is La Liga questioning Barcelona’s registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor?
La Liga claims Barcelona has not met financial fair play regulations, citing inconsistencies in the club’s financial reports related to a €100 million VIP seating sale.
What role did the unnamed auditor play in Barcelona’s financial dealings?
Barcelona hired an auditor for just four days, who certified the VIP seating sale as income, allowing the club to register Olmo and Victor. However, previous auditors did not include this transaction in their reports.
What actions has La Liga taken against Barcelona?
La Liga has reduced Barcelona’s squad cost limit, reported the issue to the Spanish government’s high sports council (CSD), and plans to file a complaint against the auditor involved.
How has Barcelona responded to La Liga’s claims?
Barcelona has declined to comment, while Grant Thornton and Crowe, the two auditing firms previously engaged by the club, have also been approached for their statements.
How is Barcelona performing despite financial controversies?
Hansi Flick’s team remains unbeaten in 19 matches, leading La Liga, competing in the Champions League quarter-finals, and preparing for the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.
