Barcelona’s Institutional Shame: Laporta’s Blunders and the Consequences

FC Barcelona, one of the most successful and beloved football clubs in the world, has found itself in a precarious situation. The club’s president, Joan Laporta, and his administration have been accused of institutional dishonesty and mismanagement, leading to the non-registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, two players who were signed for a staggering €60 million.

According to Catalan media, citing sources from within the club, the situation is not yet irreparable, and Olmo may still be able to play this season. However, the reputational damage has already been done, and the consequences of Laporta’s impromptu and deceitful decisions are being felt far and wide.

Salvador Sostres, a journalist from ABC, has been scathing in his criticism of Laporta, stating that the president’s actions are a „shameful and institutional disappointment”. Sostres argues that in any other organization, such a blunder would result in immediate and irrevocable dismissal.

The journalist also points to La Liga president Javier Tebas, accusing him of being a „fan of Barcelona” who has enabled Laporta’s economically unsustainable ideas. Sostres argues that Tebas has turned a blind eye to Barcelona’s financial irregularities, allowing the club to „slide and push things to the last minute”.

This is not the first time Barcelona has found itself in trouble. In 2020, the club faced a €420 million debt crisis, which led to a €140 million reduction in player wages. However, despite these efforts, the club’s financial woes continue to plague it.

The non-registration of Olmo and Victor is just the latest in a series of woes that have beset the club. In 2022, Barcelona’s debt stood at €1.3 billion, making it one of the most indebted clubs in the world.

Sostres is adamant that the blame lies not only with Laporta but also with the club’s members, the socios, who have „accepted this state of affairs”. He argues that the owners of Barcelona are ultimately responsible for the club’s predicament, and that their „passivity and lack of interest” have allowed Laporta’s administration to continue unchecked.

As Barcelona struggles to come to terms with its latest crisis, one thing is clear: institutional reform is desperately needed. The club’s reputation, built on decades of success and excellence, is at risk of being irreparably damaged. It remains to be seen whether Laporta and his administration can rectify the situation, or if it will take a complete overhaul of the club’s leadership to restore Barcelona to its former glory.

Statistics:

* €60 million: The amount Barcelona paid for Dani Olmo and Pau Victor
* €1.3 billion: Barcelona’s debt in 2022
* €420 million: Barcelona’s debt in 2020
* €140 million: The reduction in player wages in 2020