Barcelona faces salary limit issues over €100m deal
Barcelona Facing Salary Limit Pressure Again
Barcelona could be looking at another summer with limited investment in their senior squad due to salary limit constraints. In an effort to alleviate their financial woes, Barcelona agreed to a €100m deal to sell off a package for VIP seats at Camp Nou once it is renovated. However, they may find themselves in hot water once again this summer.
Standoff with Auditors
Clubs in La Liga are required to submit audited accounts to the league by the end of March for salary limit calculations ahead of the transfer window. With less than a week before the deadline, Barcelona is currently in a standoff with auditors Crowe.
Issue with Accounting
Barcelona chose not to renew their contract with Grant Thornton after the latter’s decision to include losses from the sale of shares in Barca Vision in the club’s accounts last year. The current issue revolves around a deal to lease out 475 VIP seats for 30 years to New Era Visionary Group and Forta Advisors. This deal allowed them to make significant signings and register key players.
Disagreement over Deal Inclusion
Crowe argues that the €100m deal cannot be included in this year’s accounts as the asset does not yet exist. Barcelona insists on including it, but Crowe has proposed two options: spreading the fees over the 30-year lease or accounting for the €58m already received this season. This dispute could leave Barcelona €42m short in their salary limit calculations, making new signings challenging.
Uncertainty in Budget
Barcelona’s Director of Football, Deco, is uncertain about the budget he will have for the summer transfer window. This uncertainty stems from the ongoing financial issues and delays in the Camp Nou renovation project, which was initially set to be completed by November 2024.
Given the current situation, Barcelona and Crowe have until the end of March to resolve the matter. If an agreement is not reached, Barcelona could exceed their salary limit, making it difficult for them to make any new signings.
