FC Barcelona secured a 4-0 victory over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey, advancing to the last sixteen. However, the club faces challenges off the pitch as they struggle to register new signings Dani Olmo and Pau Victor due to financial constraints and missed deadlines. Despite a recent cash injection, LaLiga and RFEF have rejected Barcelona's attempts to register the players, leading to potential legal action.
FC Barcelona showcased their dominance with a 4-0 victory over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey, effortlessly advancing to the last sixteen. While the team celebrated their on-field success, off-field challenges loom large as the club grapples with financial constraints affecting player registrations. This dual narrative of triumph and tribulation highlights the complexities facing the Catalan giants.
Barcelona's journey in the Copa del Rey began with a resounding 4-0 win against Barbastro, a fourth-tier team. The match featured standout performances from Eric García, who opened the scoring with a header, and Robert Lewandowski, who netted twice. Pablo Torre capitalized on a goalkeeper error to complete the scoreline. The match also marked the debut of Wojciech Szczęsny in goal and the return of Ronald Araujo from injury, both making significant contributions. Despite the lopsided nature of the game, Barbastro's efforts to contain Barcelona were commendable, yet ultimately futile against the superior side [1] [2].
Barcelona's financial struggles have resulted in complications regarding the registration of new signings Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. Despite a recent €28 million cash injection from the sale of VIP boxes, the funds arrived too late to meet LaLiga's December 31 deadline. Consequently, both players remain unregistered, unable to participate in the second half of the season. LaLiga and the RFEF rejected Barcelona's request to register the players, citing the club's failure to comply with financial fair play regulations. This situation mirrors past financial challenges faced by the club, including the inability to register Lionel Messi in 2021 [3] [4].
In response to the registration setbacks, Barcelona is preparing for legal action to secure the participation of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. The club plans to approach the Higher Council of Sports (CSD) for a precautionary measure to allow the players' registration. However, the timing of the appeal is critical, as the CSD will not receive the draft until the first working day after the holiday. If unsuccessful, Barcelona may face extended legal battles, further delaying the players' involvement. The situation highlights the ongoing financial and administrative challenges at Barcelona, with potential implications for future player acquisitions and the club's financial stability [5].
Barcelona's recent on-field success is overshadowed by financial and administrative hurdles that threaten to impact their season's trajectory. While the team progresses in the Copa del Rey, the inability to register key signings like Dani Olmo and Pau Victor poses significant challenges. As the club navigates legal avenues to resolve these issues, the outcome could have lasting implications on their financial strategy and competitive edge.
""We had to start the year like this,"" - Hansi Flick
""Everyone wants Dani Olmo and Pau Victor back,"" - Hansi Flick