Why Barcelona could be without forwards Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for final weeks of La Liga title race
Published 02/04/2025 at 17:43 GMT+1
React to this story
Barcelona remain in the driving seat to win La Liga, sitting three points ahead of Real Madrid with nine games to go. But Hansi Flick's free-scoring side could be without one of their star attackers, Dani Olmo, after the latest development in the saga surrounding his registration. La Liga released a statement on Wednesday claiming Barcelona did not have the financial "capacity" to register him.
'I need them, we need them' - Guardiola issues rallying call to City fans
Video credit: SNTV
Barcelona could be forced to play the remainder of their La Liga campaign without Dani Olmo.
The Spain international has impressed since joining the club from RB Leipzig last summer, scoring seven league goals and helping his side to the top of the table.
But his time at Barcelona has so far been marred by ongoing issues surrounding his registration.
La Liga now claim the club do not have the financial "capacity" to register both Olmo and fellow forward Pau Victor.
A decision is set to be made by Spain's sports ministry (CSD) this week over whether the duo will be allowed to play the remaining games of the season.
Barcelona were granted temporary licences to register Olmo and Victor in the summer, but in January they were revoked by La Liga, who claimed the club had failed to provide evidence of their compliance with the league's financial rules.
The CSD allowed Barcelona to temporarily reinstate the players after an appeal ahead of a definitive ruling by April 7.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/31/4115415-83445948-2560-1440.jpg)
Flick reveals Raphinha injury concerns ahead of Atletico clash
Video credit: SNTV
And La Liga on Wednesday released a statement, which read: "The financial statements show Barcelona did not have on Dec. 31, 2024, nor on Jan. 3, 2025, nor since that date the capacity to register Olmo and Victor."
Barcelona announced a deal to sell VIP boxes at the revamped Camp Nou for a reported €100 million in January, claiming the money would give them room to register Olmo. But La Liga said this was not included in any financial statements.
"No amount from the [VIP box deal] is ultimately recorded in the profit and loss accounts, contrary to what had been certified by the club and the auditor at the time of said transaction," the statement added.
It could mean Barcelona are short of a key player at a crucial point in the season, and Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave his verdict on the development.
"Three months ago I said that Olmo and Pau Victor's registrations had been carried out correctly, following each and every one of the requirements demanded by the RFEF [Spanish Football Federation] and La Liga, and this is still the case," he said.
"I have the feeling that this is not by chance, today (Wednesday) we're playing a huge game against Atletico Madrid.
"It's another attempt to destabilise our team, and sometimes I feel that, as some can't beat us on the pitch, they want to beat us off of it.
"As president of Barca I will not allow this, and I will continue to defend the interests of our club."
After Barcelona's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg meeting with Atletico on Wednesday, they host Real Betis in La Liga.
The Catalan club will then continue their quest for UEFA Champions League glory when they face Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, April 9, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Watch and stream Premier League and UEFA Champions League football live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Advertisement
Advertisement