FC Barcelona could be on the verge of a sanction by UEFA. At least that's what the British newspaper The Times anticipated, which recently published information suggesting that the Blaugrana team would soon face a deduction of points in the next edition of the Champions League or, failing that, a limitation on the number of player registrations.
- According to the aforementioned media, this sanction would derive from a relapse in the violation of the rules of 'financial fair play'.
Relapse in 'financial fair play': key to the possible sanction
It should be remembered that UEFA had previously sanctioned the team from the City of Counts for not providing correct financial information, fining them €500,000. This penalty was linked to the sale of 10% of the television rights of FC Barcelona in 2022, an operation that extended for the next 25 years and that could not be classified as "other operating income", and should be listed as "profits from losses of intangible assets".
Months later, Barça sold an additional 15% of those rights for €400M. Again, this operation could not be accounted for as "operating income", which led to a new sanction by UEFA. The culé team then appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), but lost the appeal and was forced to pay the corresponding €500,000.
Although the main focus of The Times report is on FC Barcelona, the British media also mentions other teams such as Chelsea and Aston Villa. However, as they are not repeat offenders, these teams would only face financial penalties.
FC Barcelona responds to the possible UEFA sanction
In response to the published information, the Blaugrana club did not want to remain silent and has issued a statement in which it explains its position on the situation:
"FC Barcelona recently completed an economic audit process carried out by UEFA every two years. The conclusions and possible consequences arising from this audit have not yet been notified to the Club.
The main discrepancy lies in the fact that UEFA does not consider some operations (the so-called levers) as ordinary income, unlike the criteria of LaLiga, which does consider them ordinary operating income. We will keep you informed."
If this new sanction is confirmed, Hansi Flick's team could face a complex scenario in their sports planning for the next Champions League season. Meanwhile, the club remains awaiting an official notification from UEFA and defends the legality of its economic operations.