Barcelona’s VIP Box Sales Under Scrutiny: LaLiga Alleges Financial Irregularities
LaLiga has issued an official statement challenging FC Barcelona’s financial fair play compliance, specifically regarding the club’s ability to register players Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. The league contends that the financial maneuver Barcelona used to increase its salary cap and facilitate these registrations was never actually executed or recorded in the 2024 fiscal year.
The controversial operation, which allegedly allowed Barcelona to return to the 1:1 rule and register the aforementioned players, has been flagged by LaLiga for multiple irregularities. The league has taken the step of reporting Barcelona to the Superior Council of Sports (CSD), citing suspicious connections in the agreements made by the Catalan club to sell VIP boxes for the future Spotify Camp Nou.
Key points of contention include:
- A €28 million payment from Emirates New Era Visionary, a telecommunications provider that became Barcelona’s official partner in November 2024.
- LaLiga’s assertion that this transaction is linked to the club’s inner circle, potentially distorting fair competition.
- Barcelona’s refusal to disclose the names of companies purchasing VIP boxes, citing confidentiality concerns.
- Comparisons drawn by LaLiga to Barcelona’s previous Barça Vision deal, which was allegedly overvalued.
The CSD is expected to respond to LaLiga’s allegations in the coming days, addressing both the general concerns and the specific case of Dani Olmo’s registration. This dispute marks another chapter in the ongoing institutional conflict between LaLiga and FC Barcelona.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the transparency of Barcelona’s financial operations and the potential implications for the club’s compliance with financial fair play regulations.