Wed Jan 08 22:54:16 UTC 2025: ## Spanish Government Intervenes, Reinstates Barcelona Players Olmo and Victor

**Barcelona, Spain** – In a dramatic turn of events, the Spanish government’s Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) has intervened to reinstate Barcelona players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, suspending a decision by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga to deregister them.

The RFEF and La Liga had initially cancelled Olmo and Victor’s licenses after Barcelona missed a December 31st deadline to register them due to exceeding salary limits. Despite Barcelona’s appeals and submission of extensive documentation proving the club’s improved financial situation – including a new sponsorship deal with Nike and revenue from Camp Nou VIP seating sales – the RFEF and La Liga initially rejected the club’s attempts to re-register the players.

However, the CSD, citing Article 27 of Spain’s Law on Sport, which protects athletes’ right to their sporting careers, ruled that the deregistration would cause “serious economic and sporting damage” to the club and players, potentially harming the Spanish national team and La Liga as well. The CSD’s decision effectively allows Olmo and Victor to play for Barcelona for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, pending a final ruling on the case.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Barcelona officials, including sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick, expressed relief and satisfaction. RFEF president Rafa Louzan stated that the organization would respect the CSD’s decision but noted that they had followed established rules. Conversely, Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte criticized the outcome, calling it “ridiculous” and detrimental to Spanish football.

While both Olmo and Victor were not included in the squad for Barcelona’s Supercopa de España semi-final, their reinstatement opens the door for their potential participation in the final should Barcelona advance. The timeline for the final resolution of the case remains unclear.

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