Barcelona are mounting a last-ditch effort to re-register star midfielder Dani Olmo after La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) denied their appeal. The club now plans to take the matter to the Higher Sports Council (CSD), the Spanish government’s sporting body, in hopes of securing Olmo’s availability for the remainder of the season.
Dani Olmo’s Uncertain Future at FC Barcelona
Olmo, who joined Barcelona last summer for a reported €60 million (£50 million), is at the center of a unique and complex legal battle. The Spanish international was temporarily registered during the early weeks of the season, but that registration expired on December 31 due to La Liga’s strict financial regulations. According to RFEF rules, a player cannot receive a second registration with the same club in a single season.
Despite Barcelona’s multiple appeals to commercial courts in their favor, both La Liga and RFEF upheld their decision to block Olmo’s re-registration. In a joint statement, the two organizations officially rejected the club’s final plea, leaving Olmo’s future at Camp Nou hanging by a thread.
Joan Laporta’s Funding Efforts Fall Short
Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims to have secured funding to re-register both Dani Olmo and young forward Pau Victor, who is facing a similar predicament. However, the club could not guarantee income from unnamed Middle Eastern investors before the December 31 deadline. Although Barcelona finalized a VIP seating deal on January 3 with La Liga’s approval, it does not retroactively resolve the expired registrations.
Barcelona Appeals to Spanish Government
In a bold move, Barcelona is now appealing directly to the Higher Sports Council (CSD). According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7. Barcelona remains “optimistic” about obtaining at least temporary clearance for Olmo and Victor. This would allow both players to participate in the team’s upcoming matches while a final decision is pending.
Key Matches at Stake: Spanish Super Cup and Beyond
Barcelona hopes to include Dani Olmo and Pau Victor in their squad for next week’s Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, where they are set to face Athletic Club in the semi-finals on Wednesday. The club’s legal team is racing against time to ensure Olmo can contribute on the pitch instead of being sidelined by bureaucracy.
Potential Impact on Dani Olmo’s Career and Barcelona’s Season
This unprecedented situation could significantly impact both Olmo’s career and Barcelona’s campaign. The midfielder’s absence would be a blow to manager Hansi Flick, especially as the team competes in crucial domestic and international fixtures.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Barcelona fights to keep Dani Olmo and Pau Victor in the squad.