Barcelona has successfully registered Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the remainder of the season after Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD) upheld their appeal. However, neither player will feature in Wednesday’s Supercopa de España semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.
Background on the Registration Issue
Both Olmo and Victor were signed during the pre-season but could only be registered for the first half of the campaign due to LaLiga’s wage cap rules. Their provisional registration expired on December 31, leaving them unable to play until this recent ruling.
Barcelona faced multiple setbacks in their attempts to register the duo:
- Rejections from LaLiga and the RFEF: The Spanish Football Federation and LaLiga rejected Barcelona’s appeal to register the players for the second half of the season.
- Court Decisions: Two separate courts also ruled against the club.
The CSD, however, granted a provisional ruling, allowing the players to participate while the appeal is resolved.
CSD’s Decision
The CSD emphasized the importance of protecting the players’ careers and mitigating harm to both Barcelona and Spanish football:
- Athlete Rights: Professional athletes “have the right to a sporting career in accordance with their potential with guarantees and certainty.”
- Economic and Sporting Damage: Not registering the players would cause significant harm to Barcelona and the players themselves.
- Impact on Spanish Football: The decision also considered the potential harm to Spain’s national team and domestic competitions, including LaLiga.
The CSD’s ruling overrides the RFEF-LaLiga monitoring committee’s earlier decision to cancel the players’ licenses.
Dani Olmo and Pau Victor’s Situations
- Dani Olmo:
- Signed from RB Leipzig in August for €55 million on a six-year deal.
- Initially registered due to long-term injuries in the squad.
- Was unavailable for registration in the second half of the season until this ruling.
- Pau Victor:
- Signed from Girona as a promising addition to Barcelona’s future plans.
- Also faced registration challenges due to the club’s financial constraints.
Supercopa de España Absence
Despite the successful appeal, Olmo and Victor will not feature in Barcelona’s Supercopa de España semi-final against Athletic Bilbao. The decision came too late to include them in the squad announced by coach Hansi Flick.
Implications of the Decision
- Barcelona’s Squad Depth: The addition of Olmo and Victor strengthens Barcelona’s options for the remainder of the season.
- Financial and Legal Precedent: The case highlights the ongoing challenges Barcelona faces with LaLiga’s wage cap and the legal complexities of registering new players.
- Impact on Spanish Football: The CSD’s intervention underscores the importance of balancing financial regulations with the broader interests of players and competitions.
FAQs
1. Why were Dani Olmo and Pau Victor not registered earlier?
Barcelona’s financial issues and LaLiga’s wage cap rules prevented their registration for the second half of the season.
2. What role did the CSD play in this decision?
The CSD granted a provisional ruling allowing Olmo and Victor to be registered, overriding earlier rejections from LaLiga and the RFEF.
3. Will Olmo and Victor play in the Supercopa de España?
No, they were not included in the squad for the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao due to the timing of the decision.
4. How long are Olmo and Victor now registered for?
The players are registered provisionally while the final resolution of the appeal is pending.
5. What does this mean for Barcelona’s financial situation?
The ruling provides short-term relief, but Barcelona still faces long-term challenges in meeting LaLiga’s financial regulations.
