Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Pau Victor Granted Provisional Licenses

BARCELONA, Spain — The Spanish Sports Council (CSD) has granted FC Barcelona a provisional injunction allowing Dani Olmo and Pau Victor to play for the club, despite ongoing disputes over their licenses. The decision, announced Wednesday, comes just hours before Barcelona’s Supercopa semifinal against Athletic Club, though the players will not feature in the match as their licenses will only be processed by Thursday.

The CSD’s ruling suspends a previous decision by the RFEF–LaLiga Monitoring Commission, which had canceled the players’ licenses on January 4, 2025. The council cited potential economic and sporting harm to both the club and the players as key reasons for the provisional measure. “The non-adoption of this precautionary measure would cause serious economic and sporting damage to the club and, above all, to the players,” the CSD stated in its resolution.

Barcelona had filed a 52-page appeal with the CSD on Tuesday, arguing that the Monitoring Commission lacked the authority to deny the players’ licenses. The club also emphasized the players’ right to pursue their professional careers under Spanish sports law. “The CSD has appreciated the urgency of the situation and the potential irreparable harm to the players’ careers,” the resolution added.

Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, who traveled with the team to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa, were informed of the decision shortly before the match. While they will miss the semifinal, they could be available for the final if Barcelona advances. The provisional licenses will remain in effect until the CSD issues a final ruling on the appeal.

This development marks a temporary victory for Barcelona, which has faced significant challenges in registering players due to financial constraints and regulatory hurdles. Club president Joan Laporta expressed relief, stating, “This decision allows us to continue competing while we work toward a definitive resolution.”

The CSD’s intervention highlights the ongoing tensions between Barcelona, LaLiga, and the RFEF over player registrations and financial regulations. The case could set a precedent for future disputes involving player licenses and club compliance with league rules.