Barcelona’s financial problems stopped them from registering Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor for the second half of the season due to La Liga’s wage cap rules.
Their first request to make the players eligible was denied, so the club decided to appeal. On Wednesday, the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD) allowed Barcelona to include Olmo and Víctor in their squad temporarily, until the case between the club, La Liga, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is decided.
WHAT ESPANYOL SAID
The CSD explained that the decision was made because not granting the precautionary measure could cause “serious economic and sports damage” to both Barcelona and the players. However, the ruling has caused anger among other La Liga teams, with Espanyol and Atletico Madrid both opposing the decision. Espanyol released a statement expressing their concerns about the possible negative effects on the fairness of the competition.
The statement said: “RCD Espanyol wishes to express its concern and worry about the situation that has arisen in Spanish football following the resolution adopted and made public by the Higher Sports Council, in the cases of FC Barcelona footballers Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor.
“The decision to grant an urgent, provisional precautionary measure until the appeal is finally resolved has created a very dangerous precedent and poses a threat to the integrity of the competition, as other clubs, as well as the RFEF and LaLiga, have denounced in various statements and communications.
“RCD Espanyol, which remains fully committed to the competition, has strictly complied with the regulations on economic control and will continue to do so, despite the tensions, limitations and difficulties that these economic rules generate.
“As has been stated in various forums, we understand that the rigorous economic control applied in recent years has ensured the sustainability of many clubs. The Sports Law itself includes and protects this economic control of LaLiga and, however, with this resolution, the norm approved and accepted by all professional clubs is put at risk.
“The main players in football in this country: LALIGA and the RFEF have maintained a common and firm position from their respective authorities throughout the process. However, the CSD has exposed and discredited both institutions with its decision. RCD Espanyol urges a review of this resolution that generates uncertainty and threatens the principles of equality and justice in the competition.”
WHAT ATLETICO MADRID SAID
Atletico Madrid also expressed their concerns. They said: “Club Atletico de Madrid wants to show its deep concern for the situation generated in Spanish football after the resolution adopted by the Consejo Superior de Deportes [“National Sports Council”] on Wednesday. We consider that this decision jeopardises the current system, questioning the rules of the game. The Ley del Deporte [‘Sports Law’] itself includes and protects La Liga’s economic control and yet, with this resolution, it is put at risk.
“LaLiga’s economic control has been the main tool that has managed to turn our football into a solvent sector, a process admired internationally. Our club, like all La Liga members until this resolution, has been complying with the rules of economic control and we will continue to respect them.
“In fact, in order to be able to compete at the level we have been competing at in recent years, we have decided to carry out various capital increases, despite the enormous effort that this entails.
“This government intervention creates a very dangerous precedent, as it opens the door to circumventing the rules and repeating the serious mistakes of the past. Atlético de Madrid remains committed to rigour and responsible management. Without clear and equal rules for all, no fair competition is possible.”
Olmo, who came from RB Leipzig for about €60 million (£50m), has been a key player in the team’s attacking midfield, scoring six goals in 15 appearances. Víctor, who made his loan move from Girona permanent, has played in 17 games for Barcelona.
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
While Barcelona have won a temporary victory, the final result of the case could influence how financial problems and regulatory rules are handled in the future. Still, this situation comes at a critical time for the club, as they are about to play Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup Final on Sunday.
