D-Day for Barcelona: €120 Million Raised, Legal Battle Looms Over Player Registration

January 3 marks a pivotal day for FC Barcelona, as the club faces a decisive moment in its ongoing struggle to register new signings Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor with La Liga. Despite the official registration deadline passing on December 31, reports from AS and other outlets suggest that Barcelona remains optimistic about resolving the issue. However, if La Liga refuses to approve the registrations, the Catalan club is prepared to take legal action to defend its position.

The Registration Crisis

Both Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, signed to bolster Barcelona’s squad, were officially deregistered by La Liga on January 1, rendering them ineligible to participate in any La Liga matches. Furthermore, the lack of registration prevents the players from completing the necessary paperwork with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA, barring them from all official competitions.

The situation is particularly dire for Dani Olmo. Should Barcelona fail to secure his registration, the player could leave the club as a free agent. This would not only result in the loss of a key asset but also pose a severe financial blow to the club.

The Root Cause: Banking Delays

Barcelona attributes the delay in submitting the necessary financial documentation to an external factor—the closure of banking systems during the holiday period. On December 31, the club had already secured €120 million in funding through a deal with a Qatari consortium, facilitated by President Joan Laporta’s trip to Dubai. This deal involved the presale of VIP boxes at the new Camp Nou for the next 20 years.

While the funds were deposited into Barcelona’s accounts by the end of 2024, the banking system was closed, preventing the club from issuing the required financial proof to La Liga before the December 31 deadline. With banks reopening on January 3, Barcelona intends to provide all necessary documentation to La Liga and the RFEF on this day, arguing that the delay was due to force majeure circumstances beyond the club’s control.

Legal Threats and High Stakes

If La Liga refuses to approve the registrations even after receiving the updated documentation, Barcelona is prepared to escalate the matter to court. The club views this as a critical juncture, with significant financial and sporting implications at stake.

The consequences of a refusal would be catastrophic. Dani Olmo could walk away from the club as a free agent, leaving Barcelona without a key player and forcing the club to pay his salary through 2030 as stipulated in his contract. Additionally, the VIP box presale agreement could be devalued if La Liga’s decision casts doubts on Barcelona’s financial stability. Combined, these setbacks could cost the club an estimated €200 million.

Hope for Resolution

Barcelona is banking on La Liga’s willingness to accommodate the situation, given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the delay. An extension to register Olmo and Víctor would alleviate immediate concerns and allow the club to focus on its broader financial restructuring.

However, the situation remains tense, with January 3 being described as the “D-Day” for Barcelona’s future. The outcome of this high-stakes standoff will have far-reaching implications for the club’s sporting ambitions and financial recovery efforts.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on La Liga’s decision and Barcelona’s next steps. Whether through negotiation or legal action, the club’s resolve to protect its interests will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the months to come.