Barcelona make 'historic demand' to La Liga over budget with Spanish champions issuing women's team request

Mundo Deportivo has reported on this latest development in the Barcelona finance saga, calling the club's request "historic". Previously, La Liga accounted for the budgets of women's and youth teams within the club's financial restrictions, which has increased the financial pressure on Barcelona.

Barcelona's finances have been a constant news story over the past five years. Be it the initial bombshell that the club was in serious economic peril during the Covid-19 pandemic, the subsequent departures of legends like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba or the renovation of the Camp Nou, there's hardly been a dull moment when it comes to La Blaugrana's bank accounts.

The club still holds debts exceeding €1.2bn. The club's infamous "economic levers" have done little to address the underlying debts of the clubs, and often set them on the war path with La Liga, who have limited their ability to sign and register new players. Most notably, the club had to take their case to the Spanish government to ensure Dani Olmo and Victor could appear for the club this past season.

Joan Laporta has suggested the club are in a stronger psoition to spend, as their expected revenues of €950m should match their expenditure. However. Laporta is liable to tell 'white lies' in the hope of pressuring La Liga to lessen their restrictions on the club. If the club can convince La Liga to change their financial fair play rules, it should allow the club more wiggle room in the market.