January 9 – Spain’s national sports council (CSD) has granted Barcelona provisional permission to register Dani Olmo (pictured) and Pau Victor, following an appeal by the club after earlier rejections from La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
The players, who signed for Barca in the summer for €55 million and €2.7 million respectively, were initially registered for the first half of the season but saw their licenses expire as Barcelona failed to meet La Liga’s strict wage cap requirements. Attempts to re-register the pair had been blocked by both La Liga and RFEF, and previous appeals to two courts were also rejected.
However, on Wednesday, the CSD issued a precautionary measure allowing Olmo and Victor to play while the council evaluates Barcelona’s case.
“This measure, which is provisional until the appeal filed by the club and the aforementioned players is finally resolved, suspends [La Liga and RFEF’s decision], and the cancellation of the sports licenses of the aforementioned players,” the CSD said in a statement. “It also maintains the validity of said licences until this appeal is finally resolved.”
La Liga strongly criticised the CSD’s move, arguing that the decision was made without giving the league or the RFEF an opportunity to present their case.
“The resolution was adopted without having forwarded the appeal to La Liga or the RFEF, nor granting either party the opportunity to submit their arguments. Therefore, La Liga is currently unaware of the reasoning set forth by the players and FC Barcelona in the appeal,” La Liga said in a statement.
“La Liga will thoroughly review the content of the decision with a view to filing the appropriate appeals, while also expressing its complete disagreement with the decision.”
La Liga maintains that Barcelona failed to submit the necessary paperwork in time, despite reportedly raising €100 million through the sale of VIP boxes in their newly-developed stadium, which is still under construction.
These funds were allegedly secured to meet La Liga’s financial fair play rules, but the documentation arrived three days after the league’s deadline.
Additionally, La Liga argues that its regulations prevent players from being issued a new license with the same club in the same season after their initial license expires.
Barcelona has challenged this rule, describing it as outdated and claiming that since the January transfer window is open and the required funds have now been secured, the players should be allowed to re-register.
With the provisional ruling, forwards Olmo, 26, and Victor, 23, are eligible to play immediately, pending a final decision from the CSD. Their availability comes as a boost to Barcelona, which is battling for domestic and European honours.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1736440134labto1736440134ofdlr1736440134owedi1736440134sni@g1736440134niwe.1736440134yrrah1736440134
