The Spanish Sports Council, or CSD, has once again decided in FC Barcelona’s favor, providing clarity in what can only be described as a turbulent time for the team. Joan Laporta, who has been in a difficult situation because of the contentious sale of VIP boxes at the new Spotify Camp Nou, is greatly relieved that Dani Olmo and Pau Victor are cleared to finish the season. Despite La Liga’s strong statement earlier this week denouncing Barcelona’s dubious financial practices, both players are still registered and ready for Hansi Flick to use as he sees fit.
By ruling that the RFEF-LaLiga Commission lacks authority over this issue and choosing not to raise any concerns about LaLiga’s financial oversight, the Spanish Sports Council has taken the side of the Catalan club. “It has been established clearly and undeniably throughout this process, after considering the arguments of all parties, that the Monitoring Commission is incompetent to decide on the prior approval and the license requested by FC Barcelona,” the CSD wrote in its official document.
As the deadline approached—April 7th being a crucial cutoff date—the CSD’s ruling surfaced, once more demonstrating how politics can play a role in sporting conflicts. Laporta’s administration, which is already under strain but supported by the remarkable authority shown by Flick’s squad on the field, is starting to feel the weight of this prolonged challenge.
In reality, there are two Barcelonas: one that thrives under Hansi Flick’s tutelage, exhibiting a thrilling and effective style of play, and another plagued by difficulties, negotiating financial turmoil and interacting with dubious businesspeople, all the while projecting a persistent victim mentality. There is a clear contrast in the way the club operates between this latter Barcelona, under Laporta’s leadership, and the authority that Flick symbolizes.
By taking advantage of Christensen’s injury, the club president was able to get Olmo registered this past summer. However, it should be noted that the Danish player hasn’t played much since August. Laporta made it possible for Olmo and Pau Victor to join the team after the required paperwork was in order, thanks in part to political support from Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid. As April draws near, the circumstances are still the same, enabling both players to support Flick’s strategic intentions. Laporta’s narrow triumph comes amid mounting annoyance from La Liga president Javier Tebas and the larger Spanish football club community.
