Barcelona forwards Dani Olmo and Pau Victor have been granted provisional permission to play after an appeal to Spain’s national sports council (CSD).
Both players, signed last summer, were initially registered for the first half of the season as Barcelona struggled to comply with La Liga’s wage cap. A subsequent request to renew their registrations was rejected by La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
On Wednesday, the CSD overruled these decisions, allowing the players to compete while a final ruling on Barcelona’s appeal is pending.
The CSD stated this precautionary measure “suspends the cancellation” of their licenses and upholds their validity until the appeal is resolved.
The decision came too late for Olmo and Victor to feature in Barcelona’s 2-0 Spanish Supercopa semi-final win over Athletic Club but permits them to play in Sunday’s final against Real Madrid or Mallorca.
Olmo, a £51m summer signing from RB Leipzig, was influential in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. Barcelona’s financial difficulties initially limited their ability to meet La Liga’s financial fair play rules, delaying the renewal of his and Victor’s licenses.
Barcelona reportedly raised €100m (£83.42m) by selling VIP boxes in their under-construction stadium but missed La Liga’s deadline to submit the paperwork.
La Liga expressed disagreement with the CSD decision, citing a lack of opportunity to respond to Barcelona’s appeal. The league is considering further legal action.
The ruling provides a temporary boost for Barcelona, who continue to navigate financial challenges while competing at the highest level.
