In a dramatic turn of events at one of football's most storied institutions, Barcelona president Joan Laporta faces mounting pressure to resign as ten influential supporter groups and opposition parties unite against his leadership.
The coalition, led by Victor Font's Sí al Futur and Joan Camprubí Montal's Som un Clam, has launched a coordinated campaign citing a series of controversies that have rocked the Catalan giants. Central to their concerns is the recent player registration crisis involving Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, which they've branded as "negligent management."
The opposition's grievances extend into the financial realm, pointing to several controversial decisions under Laporta's administration, including:
- Questionable commission arrangements in the Nike kit supplier renewal
- A €100 million ($104.2m) VIP seat sales agreement at the renovating Camp Nou
- Controversial handling of supporter issues at the Olympic Stadium
The situation has reached a critical point with LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) ruling that Barcelona cannot re-register Olmo and Víctor after failing to meet the December 31 financial fair play compliance deadline.
The club is preparing to fight back through Spain's highest sports court, the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD). Club sources remain confident about eventually reinstating both players this season, even including them in the Supercopa squad traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona's legal team is pursuing multiple strategies, including:
- Requesting immediate "precautionary measures" for player participation
- Claiming force majeure regarding the delayed VIP box sale
- Contesting interpretations of seasonal registration regulations
Both Olmo and Víctor's contracts include clauses allowing free transfers if they remain unregistered for the season's second half. While sources close to the players confirm their frustration, they suggest both remain committed to Barcelona pending resolution.
The crisis adds significant pressure as Barcelona prepares for Wednesday's Supercopa semifinal against Athletic Club, with a potential final against Real Madrid or Mallorca on Sunday.
