Barcelona must tidy finances to dodge UEFA sanction
Barcelona must fine‑tune its accounts this season to avoid a UEFA sanction that could cost the club €22.5 million and even block player registrations, the club warned after confirming its net equity sits at a €168 million deficit and losses could exceed €20 million by the close of the 2026‑27 financial year.
The club’s financial reconstruction remains a long‑term project. While Barcelona is gradually overcoming hurdles, the timetable for clearing its debts is tightening, making the current financial year crucial for the Catalan side.
Financial stakes for the 2026‑27 season
If the 2026‑27 accounts show a loss exceeding €20 million, UEFA could enforce half of the original €45 million sanction – that is, €22.5 million – and may also bar the club from registering new players. The penalty would be triggered at the close of the financial year, adding pressure on the board to deliver a breakeven result.
Sobre the club’s balance sheet, the net equity is currently a €168 million deficit. The programme “Qué t’hi jugues” confirmed that UEFA, the Spanish federation and Barcelona all agree the negative equity must be improved to stave off sanctions.
Earlier, vice‑president of economics Ferran Olivé had argued that the €45 million fine was already settled via a subordinated loan. However, officials now say the sanction remains partially outstanding, though the club is optimistic about a resolution.
Barcelona paid €15 million in 2025 and still faces a second tranche of up to €45 million, contingent on meeting two specific targets. The first target required the club not to record losses above €5 million in the 2025‑26 season. By meeting that condition, Barça avoided an immediate €22.5 million fine.
Risk of sporting penalties
The remaining target obliges the club to offset the losses that prompted UEFA’s Financial Control Commission to act. Barcelona has three years to achieve this, and failure could bring a sporting sanction that prevents player registration. If losses in 2026‑27 exceed €20 million, the club could face both the €22.5 million fine and registration restrictions.
Thanks to the 2025 advance payment, the Spanish federation granted Barcelona a licence to compete in the Champions League. The club now must finish the current financial year without breaching the loss ceiling to keep that licence and avoid the pending €22.5 million payment.