Laporta Reveals Barcelona Nearly Faced UCL Ban Over Financial Troubles

Barcelona president Joan Laporta disclosed that UEFA nearly banned the club from the Champions League due to financial irregularities tied to economic levers. After negotiations, a potential €80 million fine was reduced to €15 million with no sporting sanction. Laporta defended selling 25% of TV rights for €600 million to stabilize finances.

When the financial crisis at FC Barcelona reached its peak under former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, the club was drowning in debt and struggling to meet La Liga’s financial fair play rules. Current president Joan Laporta revealed during the General Assembly that Barcelona nearly faced a one-year suspension from the UEFA Champions League due to the use of financial levers meant to stabilize the club.

Laporta disclosed that UEFA initially wanted to impose a sporting sanction, but after negotiations, Barcelona managed to reduce a potential €80 million fine to €60 million and eventually to €15 million, avoiding disqualification. He explained that the economic levers were crucial to prevent a mass exodus of club members and to restore financial stability. Barcelona sold 25% of their television rights to a fund, earning €600 million in return, which Laporta described as a temporary transfer of assets rather than a false capital gain.

These assets are expected to return to the club after 25 years, generating about €35 million annually. Laporta defended the move, emphasizing that the strategy was essential for the club’s survival and long-term recovery, ensuring Barcelona remained competitive in European football despite ongoing financial restrictions.