Sat Jan 04 18:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona’s Olmo and Victor Banned From Playing Despite Meeting Financial Fair Play Requirements
**Barcelona, Spain** – FC Barcelona’s attempts to register midfielders Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor for the second half of the season have been thwarted, despite the club ultimately meeting La Liga’s financial fair play (FFP) regulations. A joint statement from La Liga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Saturday that the players’ registration requests were rejected.
The decision comes despite Barcelona submitting the necessary documentation on January 3rd, proving compliance with FFP rules. However, this was deemed too late, as the players’ registrations were cancelled on Wednesday, January 3rd. A commission comprised of representatives from La Liga and the RFEF cited articles 130.2 and 141.5 of the RFEF’s general regulations, which prevent players whose licenses are cancelled from re-registering with the same club during the same season.
Barcelona, who had initially met a deadline to temporarily register the players until the end of 2024 by using a portion of an injured player’s salary, signed Olmo and Victor last summer for a combined substantial fee. The club fought two court cases over interpretations of La Liga’s FFP regulations before finally securing a deal to sell VIP boxes at their stadium for €100m to meet the requirements.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his frustration over the situation. The club has announced it will appeal the decision to Spain’s supreme sports court, the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD). Olmo and Víctor, who have both made significant contributions this season, are reportedly disappointed but hope to remain at Barcelona despite clauses in their contracts that would allow them to leave for free. However, alternative options like loans or contract rescissions present significant challenges due to their current unregistered status. The club will not comment further until the CSD rules on their appeal.
First Piper 