January 15 – Barcelona president Joan Laporta has defended his administration’s handling of the Dani Olmo case as he lashed out against an alleged campaign to tarnish the club’s image.
Laporta told a news conference that a section of the media and opposition fans wanted the club to fail in its bid to register the Spain midfielder, who is back in the squad after Barcelona won a government ruling.
Midfielder Olmo and striker Pau Victor both missed two matches after LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) refused to issue fresh licenses for them to play, claiming Barcelona had failed to meet a financial fair play deadline at the end of 2024.
Barcelona managed to register Olmo and forward Pau Víctor after the government’s sports authority intervened with a provisional ruling against both bodies.
“Nothing which has happened in these last weeks regarding the registrations has surprised us,” Laporta told reporters.
“If we look back at Barça’s history when it was emerging, certain figures with their media support join forces to create a disgraceful story that has nothing to do with reality. That has been repeated continuously. I am happy to see they have not won.”
“They didn’t get what they wanted, because of the determination of the board and the staff, they wanted to destroy us but we never gave up.”
Playmaker Olmo, Barca’s marquee summer signing, appeared as a substitute in the emphatic 502 Spanish Super Cup final win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, the club’s first piece of silverware under coach Hansi Flick.
Laporta insisted LaLiga had unexpectedly asked for additional documentation from the club on December 31 regarding the sale of VIP seats, which led to Barca missing the deadline. Laporta said investors from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates had bought the seats but the money had not arrived by the end of 2024 and LaLiga were demanding to see proof of it.
Spanish media reported some opposition and fan groups were considering asking Laporta to resign.
“I don’t think a Barca president should step down because of a decision from LaLiga,” declared Laporta. “This was a clear attack to destabilise us before the Super Cup which we all wanted to win…
“It’s not about supporting Laporta, it’s about supporting Barca, they destabilised the team… I value the mental strength of Flick (and the players).”
“Almost everybody has understood that the obstacles have been attacks to damage the club and its badge. No campaign will ever discredit Barça, a club loved by millions of people.”
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