Barcelona president Joan Laporta launched a fierce defense of his club on Tuesday, condemning what he describes as a coordinated campaign to destabilize one of football's most storied institutions. During a nearly two-hour press conference, Laporta addressed the recent controversy surrounding player registrations and financial fair play compliance.
The controversy erupted when Barcelona was initially denied registrations for Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor after LaLiga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation claimed the club missed a December 31 deadline to demonstrate compliance with financial fair play regulations. This decision was later temporarily overturned by Spain's supreme sports council (CSD), allowing both players to be registered while the case is under review.
"A lot of people set out with intention to destabilize the club -- from the outside but also the inside," Laporta declared, pointing to what he perceives as a coordinated effort to undermine the club at a crucial moment in its history. "They want to knock the club at a key moment in our history, with a young team that's going to bring a lot of joy to the club."
The Barcelona president's defiance was particularly evident when he addressed opposition from within the club, including those calling for his resignation over the registration saga. "They had a chance to show that they love Barça and they did not take advantage of it," he stated, accusing internal critics of aligning with forces seeking to damage the club.
The situation has also created tension with other LaLiga clubs, including Atlético Madrid, Valencia, and Espanyol, who publicly criticized the CSD's decision to grant temporary registrations. Laporta expressed disappointment at their stance while acknowledging their right to an opinion.
In defending the club's financial position, Laporta revealed significant commercial developments, including a renewed Nike partnership that will double current revenues until 2028 and triple them through 2038. He also announced a €100 million deal involving the sale of 475 VIP seats at the renovating Spotify Camp Nou to companies in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Addressing the documentation controversy, Laporta maintained that Barcelona had submitted all required paperwork to LaLiga by December 27, with subsequent information provided up to the deadline. The dispute arose when LaLiga requested additional documentation that Barcelona contested.
"They will have to work a lot harder to bury us," Laporta declared, emphasizing the club's 125-year legacy. "Any campaign to discredit the club will not stop us being a reference around the world and admired by millions of people globally."
