LaLiga and the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) reaffirmed on Saturday the de-registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor as first-team players of FC Barcelona. Despite the recent sale of a package of VIP boxes for the future Camp Nou, which injected a significant sum into Barça’s finances, the move came too late.

According to LaLiga, time had already run out for Barça. Dani Olmo, Barça’s number 20, was removed from LaLiga’s official website on Wednesday, along with Pau Víctor, who wore number 18.

LaLiga stated that Barça failed to present “any alternative that complies with LaLiga’s economic control regulations, allowing for player registration from January 2 onwards.” The association, chaired by Javier Tebas, remained firm in its decision. Ultimately, Barça has lost the battle—and, by extension, so has Laporta.

Here is the full statement:

“The Monitoring Committee of the LALIGA-RFEF Coordination Agreement convened to address FC Barcelona’s request for a prior visa and processing of federation licenses for the players Mr. Daniel Olmo Carvajal and Mr. Pau Víctor Delgado.

Following FCB’s compliance with LALIGA’s financial control requirements on January 3, 2025, and the submission of the necessary documentation, LALIGA’s Budget Validation Body extended FCB’s Sports Squad Cost Limit effective from that date.

In this regard, after analyzing the applicable federation regulations, the Monitoring Committee has decided not to grant the prior visa or the definitive licenses requested by FC Barcelona for Mr. Daniel Olmo Carvajal and Mr. Pau Víctor Delgado. This decision is in accordance with articles 130.2 and 141.5 of the RFEF General Regulations, which explicitly prevent a player whose license has been canceled from obtaining a new license with the same club team during the same season."

Will Dani Olmo leave Barcelona?

Despite last-minute efforts, Barça’s actions were futile. Dani Olmo is now automatically a free agent. Although his contract binds him to Barça until June 2030, it includes a clause allowing him to leave at no cost—and with compensation—if the club cannot register him.

Previously, Olmo’s registration was temporarily saved due to Andreas Christensen’s long-term injury, which allowed Barça to register Olmo on August 27, albeit with a deadline of December 31. However, the situation was not resolved a second time, and Olmo is now free to leave if he chooses.

The fallout for Barça is significant. The club risks losing one of its key players, and President Joan Laporta now faces mounting pressure, with potential resignation or a vote of no confidence looming on the horizon.