The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) may reconsider its intention to file a complaint against Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, if he issues an apology for his recent behavior. According to Sport, no formal disciplinary action has been initiated yet, and the RFEF hopes to avoid further incidents during Sunday’s Supercopa de Espana final.
The Incident
The controversy stems from Laporta’s conduct during Barcelona’s Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Athletic Bilbao. Reports from Cadena COPE journalist Isaac Fouto suggested that the federation’s legal team was contemplating a complaint against Laporta due to his alleged verbal outbursts toward RFEF officials at the match.
- Marca revealed that Laporta celebrated the National Sports Council’s (CSD) decision to provisionally register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor by directing offensive remarks at federation members present at the stadium.
- The strained relationship comes after the RFEF and La Liga initially rejected Barcelona’s attempt to register the two players, citing economic ineligibility.
RFEF’s Concerns
RFEF officials were reportedly surprised by Laporta’s behavior, especially given the amicable relations between the two parties in recent days. Despite disagreements over registering new players, the federation had maintained a professional rapport with Barcelona.
- Potential Consequences: If the RFEF proceeds with its complaint, it could lead to Laporta’s removal as president, similar to the case of former RFEF president Luis Rubiales in 2023.
CSD’s Provisional Registration Decision
The CSD intervened in the dispute by granting Barcelona the right to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor temporarily, pending a final ruling on the club’s appeal.
- Temporary Measure:
- The decision suspends the RFEF and La Liga’s earlier ruling, which voided the players’ licenses.
- Both players remain eligible to play until the final resolution of the appeal.
- Barcelona’s Appeal:
- The club filed a comprehensive 52-page appeal with 60 supporting documents.
- The legal committee is expected to take up to three months to reach a verdict.
Background on Dani Olmo’s Registration
- Initial Registration: Olmo was signed from RB Leipzig before the season and temporarily registered due to Andreas Christensen’s long-term injury.
- Complication: With Christensen’s recovery, the exceptional circumstances allowing Olmo’s registration expired.
- La Liga’s Stance: Barcelona failed to provide sufficient financial guarantees for new registrations, leading to the removal of Olmo’s license.
Failure to register Olmo by January 3 could have allowed him to leave on a free transfer, while also claiming the full value of his contract, which runs until 2030.
Conclusion
The situation remains tense, with Laporta’s apology potentially serving as a resolution to avoid disciplinary action. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s appeal with the CSD could set a precedent for player registration disputes in La Liga.
