"Why don't they just stick to the rules?" - Danny Blind calls out Barcelona for 'gambling' amid Dani Olmo registration saga

Netherlands legend Danny Blind has slammed Barcelona for "gambling" amid the Dani Olmo registration saga. Indeed, the Blaugrana have been unable to register the playmaker for the rest of the LaLiga season. Olmo is not the only affected player, with Barca also unable to register forward Pau Victor.

The situation took the footballing world by surprise, as both players could end up as free agents this January, despite being on long-term contracts at Camp Nou. Due to Barca's financial struggles, they temporarily registered Olmo in the first half of the season, despite signing him for €60 million from RB Leipzig in the summer.

However, they have so far been unable to re-register the two players, as this could see them run afoul of Financial Fair Play rules. Danny Blind spoke about the club's ongoing troubles on Ziggo Sport, questioning the club's decision to "gamble" (via TheEuropeanLad on X):

"Barcelona keep gambling, why don't they just stick to the rules? If your budget is €40M, why sign him (€60M player)? Then just say no! But alright, they saw Real Madrid going past them in the last few years so they want to sign players."

The Blaugrana are working towards a deadline to register both players. According to SPORT (via Daily Mail), they are confident about their ability to do so, as they are looking to sell VIP box seats in the ongoing Camp Nou renovation. However, LaLiga has been threatened by clubs in Spain: They will reportedly sue the league if Barca is allowed to register the players.

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Official statements from Barcelona and LaLiga regarding player registration saga

Barcelona and La Liga have released statements regarding the Dani Olmo and Pau Victor situation. On the cusp of the New Year (December 31), the Blaugrana revealed that they had requested new licenses from the Spanish Football Federation. The statement read (via GOAL):

"FC Barcelona informs that it has applied for a new license for the players Daniel Olmo and Pau Víctor to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Club would like to deny having requested or receiving any moratorium to any governing body for these inscriptions."

However, an opposing statement was released from LaLiga. The league explicitly noted that Barca had not complied with regulations that would allow them to register the players:

“La Liga informs that, as of today, December 31, FC Barcelona has not presented any alternative that, in compliance with La Liga's economic control regulations, would allow it to register any player from next January 2."

Currently, Barca are believed to be working around the clock to ensure that they can register their players. However, if they are not registered soon, neither Olmo nor Victor can participate in their upcoming matches.

Barca have their next match coming up in the Copa Del Rey Round of 32 against Barbastro, which will take place on January 4 at the Estadio Municipal.