Barcelona’s battle to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor has finally come to an end, with Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD) ruling in the club’s favor. Despite La Liga’s claims that the Catalan giants failed to meet financial regulations, the CSD confirmed that both players are eligible to play for the remainder of the season.
This decision marks a significant victory for Barcelona, which has been navigating financial hurdles to comply with league regulations.
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La Liga’s Initial Objection
Barcelona secured temporary licences for Olmo and Victor last summer, allowing them to be registered for the season. However, La Liga later revoked these registrations, arguing that the club had failed to provide proof of financial compliance before the December 31 deadline.
Following an appeal in January, the CSD granted Barcelona permission to reinstate the duo on a temporary basis. Despite this, La Liga remained firm in its stance, declaring on Wednesday that the club lacked the financial capacity to register both forwards.
CSD’s Verdict and RFEF’s Position
In a major development, the CSD overruled La Liga’s decision by annulling an agreement between the Spanish top flight and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The CSD determined that Barcelona’s registrations remained valid, citing that the RFEF never officially issued a resolution to cancel the players’ licences.
According to the ruling, the RFEF’s decision to deny the licences was deemed “null and void,” ensuring that Olmo and Victor can continue playing for the club. This outcome strengthens Barcelona’s position as they look to maintain squad stability in the final months of the season.
La Liga’s Response and Financial Concerns
Despite the ruling, La Liga has stated that it intends to appeal the CSD’s decision. The league also announced a reduction in Barcelona’s wage cap following what it described as accounting “irregularities” in the club’s financial report for the 2024-25 season.
On January 3, Barcelona struck a deal to sell VIP boxes at the under-renovation Nou Camp, raising €100 million (£83m) in an effort to meet La Liga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) criteria. However, the league later asserted that this financial arrangement had not been reflected in the official accounts submitted last week. Additionally, La Liga claimed the deal was approved by an unnamed auditor rather than its recognized financial authorities.
Dani Olmo’s Journey and Impact at Barcelona
Olmo, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, left the club early in his career to develop his game at Dinamo Zagreb and later RB Leipzig. Last summer, the Blaugrana paid £52 million to bring him back to the club, reinforcing their attacking options.
Since his return, the Spanish international has featured in 28 matches, with 13 of those appearances coming after the CSD’s initial ruling in January. His contributions have been vital to Barcelona’s campaign as they aim to stay competitive in domestic and European competitions.
Pau Victor’s Role in the Squad
Like Olmo, Pau Victor also emerged from La Masia and has been gradually earning minutes in the first team. The young forward has played 22 times this season, with five of those outings coming since the legal battle over his registration began.
While he may not yet be a regular starter, Victor’s inclusion in the squad offers Barcelona additional depth in attack, especially amid ongoing squad rotation and injury concerns.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
Although La Liga is expected to challenge the ruling, the CSD’s verdict provides Barcelona with much-needed relief in their financial and sporting struggles. The club will now focus on ensuring they remain compliant with regulations while continuing their push for silverware.
For Olmo and Victor, the decision means they can fully concentrate on their performances, knowing their place in the squad is secure. With Barcelona aiming for a strong finish to the season, both players will have key roles to play in the months ahead.
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FAQs
Why was Dani Olmo’s registration with Barcelona initially revoked?
La Liga revoked Dani Olmo’s registration, citing Barcelona’s failure to prove financial compliance by the December 31 deadline.
What role did the CSD play in allowing Olmo and Pau Victor to play?
Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD) ruled in Barcelona’s favor, annulling an agreement between La Liga and the RFEF, thereby validating the players’ registrations.
How did La Liga respond to the CSD’s decision?
La Liga announced plans to appeal the ruling and lowered Barcelona’s wage cap due to alleged accounting irregularities for the 2024-25 season.
What financial measures did Barcelona take to retain Olmo and Victor?
Barcelona attempted to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules by selling VIP boxes at Nou Camp for €100 million, but La Liga did not recognize this transaction in its official accounts.
How has Dani Olmo performed since rejoining Barcelona?
Since his £52 million transfer last summer, Olmo has made 28 appearances, including 13 after the CSD’s initial ruling in January.
