Espanyol (foto: Getty Images)
Espanyol joins six other Spanish clubs in protesting CSD’s decision to allow Barcelona to temporarily register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, citing unfairness and competitive integrity concerns.
The controversy surrounding the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor by Barcelona shows no signs of subsiding. After the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) ruled that the two players could participate for Barcelona in the second half of the season, even though La Liga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had not approved their registrations, more clubs have voiced their opposition.
Initially, Las Palmas and Atletico Madrid publicly criticized the decision, and they were soon joined by Sevilla, Malaga, Valencia, Getafe, and Athletic Bilbao. Now, Espanyol, Barcelona’s city rival, has issued its own statement, echoing the concerns of other clubs.
Espanyol, like its peers, believes the decision creates an unfair precedent and undermines the integrity of the competition. Barcelona’s registration of Olmo and Víctor was initially blocked by La Liga and RFEF for failing to comply with financial regulations. However, CSD’s provisional ruling allows the players to compete while Barcelona’s appeal is resolved—a decision that might not come until late in the season.
Espanyol’s full statement:
"RCD Espanyol wishes to express its concern regarding the situation in Spanish football following the resolution issued by the Consejo Superior de Deportes concerning Barcelona players Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. The decision to implement a provisional and urgent measure pending final resolution creates a dangerous precedent and threatens the integrity of the competition, as various clubs, along with RFEF and La Liga, have condemned.
RCD Espanyol has consistently adhered to financial regulations despite the tensions, limitations, and difficulties they impose. Strict financial control, as implemented in recent years, has ensured the sustainability of many clubs. The Sports Law explicitly incorporates and safeguards La Liga’s financial regulations. However, this resolution undermines rules that all professional clubs have agreed to abide by.
RCD Espanyol calls for a review of this resolution, which generates uncertainty and jeopardizes the principles of equality and fairness in competition."
This ongoing dispute has not only highlighted Barcelona's financial struggles but also created tensions between CSD and key institutions like La Liga and RFEF, which have maintained a united stance against the council’s decision.