Barcelona is in the headlines for a different reason: not because of a certain goal that decided a season or because of a blockbuster signing, but due to the repercussions of a battle being fought behind closed doors. Club president Joan Laporta announced that Barça is no longer under the supervision of LaLiga, a new chapter to add in this saga full of tension, uncertainty, and twists that have directly touched team finances and the roster.
Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).
Talent trapped behind bureaucracy
Dani Olmo's arrival in Barcelona at the start of the 2024/25 season came with the pressure of a €55 million transfer and the attention his performances during Euro 2024 elicited. The Spanish midfielder would find things considerably less romantic than he could have imagined. A strict FFP and the wage cap rules almost barred the Spaniard, while LaLiga finally accepted his signing with Barcelona pushing the limits and making judicial appeals to maintain his eligibility.
That felt really like Groundhog Day as far as registrations go-issues that initially hit Olmo and Pau Victor last month saw them past the December deadline to take effect once again with the decision coming by LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation. The saving intervention has arrived, however, via a temporary injunction by Spain's Sports Council greenlighting once more for first-teamers into action. The effect was immediate: Barcelona trounced Real Madrid 5-2 in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, completing an extraordinary comeback.
The Camp Nou situation
While the headlines were about the drama with Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, Laporta made sure to highlight that the future of the club is Spotify Camp Nou: "The first fact is that we've returned to 1:1, and this allows us to sign and register (Dani) Olmo and (Pau) Víctor. We are no longer under LaLiga's supervision. At the same time we're not subject to its control, we're building a new stadium.". We’re not just painting it; we’re building a new stadium to return to as soon as possible”, Laporta stated.
According to him, this project is one of four pillars that will guide the club forward: increasing revenue, reducing wage expenses without sacrificing competitiveness, preserving the club’s member-owned model, and achieving economic recovery without asking members to contribute out of their own pockets.
It's an ambitious yet unavoidable plan. In a market where rival clubs are bolstered by state funds and billion-dollar investments, Barcelona is trying to hold onto its historic identity while reasserting itself on the global stage.
Backstage struggles
The player registration saga that had strained not only the finances but also the boardroom finally did take its toll on the players. Players like Raphinha found themselves caught in the whirlpool that often crossed the line into areas beyond their responsibilities on the pitch.
"They and their families suffered a lot from the consequences this brought. We tried to explain it, but I don't think it was easy", said a repentant Laporta, showing his recognition of the psychological pressure involved in the process.
The critics reached a point where opposition groups demanded his resignation. To him, all these efforts had been elements of destabilization to the club internally and externally.
They wanted to liquidate us, but we never gave up. It will be harder for the destabilizers to destroy a club that has more than 100 years of history."
A breath of fresh air
With finances in relative order and players back on the roster, the path ahead seems clearer for Laporta. Revenue from the Camp Nou, sponsorship deals, and reduced wage expenses will be important in keeping the club competitive in the coming years.
Even then, the president knows it won't be all smooth sailing. Critics, both from within and without, are still vigilant, ready to pounce on any misstep.