FC Barcelona is facing significant challenges due to a lack of Financial Fair Play compliance for the upcoming season. This is a setback for the club's transfer plans as it severely limits their ability to sign new players. The club had previously believed this issue was resolved, but LaLiga's retraction means they are now back in the same predicament.
The main issue stems from the disappearance of €100 million from the sale of VIP boxes. The operation was initially considered finalized, but the club failed to include it in its financial reports, due to the new auditor's disagreement. This lack of financial clarity results in the club not meeting the requirements for Financial Fair Play, potentially hindering the registration of players like Dani Olmo and Pau VĂctor.
Even if the CSD (Spanish Sports Council) permits the registration of the players, the Fair Play issues will persist, as the CSD's focus is on players' right to work. While Barcelona expects a favorable outcome from the CSD, the Fair Play problems remain.
To regain compliance, Barcelona must validate the VIP box sale by proving the €100 million transfer. This must be done before the June 30th financial deadline. Until then, the club's transfer plans are significantly hampered.
The Financial Fair Play situation severely restricts the club's ability to make signings. They cannot sign players for the same amount they sell without regaining the 1:1 rule, meaning they must offload players to raise funds for new signings.
The situation does not affect the contracts already renewed for players such as Araujo, Pedri, Gavi, and Íñigo MartĂnez, as these were completed during periods of compliance.
The uncertainty makes it difficult to attract players. Potential recruits may prefer clubs with greater financial stability, causing challenges for the club's transfer strategies. This is a challenge Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, is familiar with.