FC Barcelona began 2025 facing significant challenges after La Liga officially removed Dani Olmo and Pau Victor from the registered players list, throwing their participation for the rest of the season under jeopardy. The two players, who had joined the club amid high expectations, were unregistered following Barcelona's failure to provide the necessary economic guarantees required by the league.
The controversy has been brewing since December 31, 2024, when La Liga declared the club had not met the compliance regulations needed to register either player. "La Liga states as of December 31, FC Barcelona did not provide alternatives according to the league's economic control regulations," reported by La Liga itself. The league's ruling marks another difficult chapter for Barcelona, who are already under scrutiny for their financial dealings and management.
Despite these setbacks, Barcelona has been vocal about their confidence, asserting they submitted all required documentation to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on time. The club's perspective, as articulated through various channels, is one of trust and belief they will eventually secure approval for both players. They had previously registered Olmo for the first half of the season, taking advantage of defender Andreas Christensen’s injury. Interestingly, Christensen has since returned, compliculating matters for Olmo and Victor.
Rumors suggest Barcelona was banking on the approval of a lucrative €100 million sale deal of VIP seats at Camp Nou, which the club hoped would aid their salary cap situation and thereby allow registrations. They needed guarantees of payment, according to reports, but La Liga remained unsatisfied, requiring more time to review the club’s financial submissions.
The confusion and uncertainty surrounding this situation led many fans to question whether Barcelona had overplayed their hand this time. Amidst all this, Olmo's future now hangs uncertainly. The midfielder joined from German club RB Leipzig for €55 million last summer, excited to contribute to the team's success following his key role aiding Spain's triumph at UEFA Euro 2024. Pau Victor, signed from Girona for €2.5 million, finds himself equally adrift under these administrative issues.
If both players remain unregistered after the January 3 deadline—when there is hope for resolution—it could represent not only the end of their current season but potentially the end of President Joan Laporta’s tenure. Industry insiders speculate Laporta's leadership could be at risk due to continued failures to adhere to La Liga's strict economic guidelines.
The figures involved have remained relatively optimistic. Olmo's agent, Andy Bara, emphasized, “The decision made by Dani is to stay at Barcelona as he wants to play for Barca.” This sentiment of loyalty to the club's ideals feels poignant against the backdrop of uncertainty, especially since there are provisions allowing Olmo to leave for free should he not be registered. With agents likely evaluating alternative pathways for their respective clients, the end of the registration saga looms as intricately tied to the club’s broader financial narrative.
Adding another layer to the complexity, the RFEF seems to stand firm on its stance to refrain from issuing any licenses without La Liga’s express approval. They are focused on maintaining their re-established rapport with the league, signifying the gravity of the situation for the Catalonian club.
Barcelona’s assurance to the media and fans reflects not only hope but desperation to rectify these registration issues. Time is short, and as January 3 approaches, all eyes will be on the club’s next move and decision-making process. With the world of football always eagerly observing, what happens next could chart the course for Barcelona's 2025 season and beyond.