Dani Olmo’s Barcelona future in limbo over registration

Dani Olmo’s availability for Barcelona remains uncertain as the Catalan giants fight a legal battle to secure his registration for the remainder of the season.

Both Olmo and forward Pau Victor are currently ineligible to play after Barcelona failed to meet La Liga’s financial regulations in time to renew their licenses.

The situation leaves Olmo, a pivotal player for Spain during their Euro 2024 triumph, sidelined at a critical juncture in Barcelona’s campaign for silverware.

Barcelona initially registered Olmo and Victor on a short-term basis last summer, exploiting a financial loophole following defender Andreas Christensen’s injury. However, the club’s financial woes and failure to meet La Liga’s budgetary requirements by the December 2024 deadline have left both players unlicensed.

In a bid to rectify the issue, Barcelona recently sold VIP boxes at their under-construction Spotify Camp Nou stadium for €100 million. While this sale brought them into compliance with La Liga’s financial fair play (FFP) rules, the funds were submitted three days past the league’s deadline. As a result, La Liga regulations prevent the duo from being re-registered at the same club within the same season.

Club president Joan Laporta, facing mounting criticism over the debacle, has pledged to resolve the issue. Barcelona plans to argue before Spain’s top sports court (CSD) that the rule barring mid-season re-registration is outdated. They will also push for a temporary precautionary measure allowing Olmo and Victor to play until a final decision is reached.

Spanish media suggests that the club’s case hinges on the timing of their financial compliance and the fact that the January transfer window is open. However, two prior court rulings have already gone against Barcelona, intensifying pressure on Laporta and the club’s management.

Olmo’s absence is a significant blow for Barcelona. The midfielder’s creativity and attacking flair are vital to their ambitions, especially as they battle for domestic and European titles. Pau Victor, though less experienced, is another option lost to coach Xavi Hernandez during a critical stretch of the season.

If the CSD rules against Barcelona or fails to grant a temporary measure, Olmo and Victor will remain sidelined, further complicating the club’s plans and deepening scrutiny over their financial and administrative management.

As the legal battle unfolds, Barcelona’s ability to adapt and maintain its momentum without Olmo will be crucial in the weeks ahead.