Following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Champions League and with a new edition on the horizon, alarm bells are ringing in Spain. According to The Times, FC Barcelona is once again in breach of UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations and could face a sanction that would directly affect its participation in next season competition. Other European clubs are also reportedly under investigation.

A Troubling Repeat Offense

For the Catalan giants, this would be the second consecutive year they have failed to comply with UEFA economic rules, which significantly worsens their situation. Unlike other clubs, Barça faces potential sporting sanctions ranging from a reduced squad list for the Champions League to point deductions in the group stage. For now, expulsion from the tournament appears to be off the table.

UEFA is expected to announce its decisions later this June, ahead of the preliminary rounds. Should the violations be confirmed, Barcelona may be forced to trim down its registered squad for European play.

A Warning That Came Earlier

Back in October 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld a $570,000 fine against Barcelona for misreporting revenue in 2022. Although the penalty was financial, the warning was crystal clear: any repeat offense would result in harsher consequences.

As the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) emphasized in its ruling:

“A similar infringement during the 2023/24 season would constitute a repeat offense and would be addressed with a more severe disciplinary measure.”

The dispute between the club and UEFA centers around the so called “economic levers” employed by president Joan Laporta administration measures such as selling TV rights and other club assets to balance the books and allow major signings like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.

While LaLiga categorizes these operations as ordinary income, UEFA treats them as extraordinary revenue, which alters the club financial balance according to European standards.

Other Clubs Also in the Spotlight

Barcelona is not alone under UEFA microscope. In recent years, clubs like Manchester City, PSG, Juventus, and AC Milan have also been investigated. Currently, according to Spanish media, Chelsea and Aston Villa are also being reviewed for potential FFP violations.

Could a Harsh Example Be Made?

Under UEFA updated regulations, the organization can directly negotiate sanctions with clubs, avoiding immediate tournament expulsion. However, if Barcelona commits another breach, a possible exclusion starting from the 2026 season cannot be ruled out.