Barcelona are once again caught in the crosshairs of LaLiga’s financial regulations as six of their players, including high-profile summer signing Marcus Rashford, are yet to be officially registered for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. The revelation has reignited concerns over the Catalan giants’ persistent economic troubles and their ability to comply with league-imposed salary caps and squad registration rules.
According to reports from Spanish outlet SPORT, the situation is growing increasingly tense at the club’s headquarters, just days before the league resumes. The delay in player registrations is not only a potential competitive setback but also a reflection of the continued financial instability plaguing one of Europe’s most historic clubs.
Rashford’s Future in Question
England international Marcus Rashford, who joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United this summer, is reportedly among the six players yet to be officially cleared to play in LaLiga. The forward’s move was widely celebrated by Barcelona fans and seen as a key reinforcement to Xavi Hernandez’s frontline, especially with questions surrounding the fitness of other attacking players.
However, Rashford’s debut is now under threat due to the club’s ongoing issues with LaLiga’s salary limit restrictions. If Barcelona fail to register him in time, the loan move could prove futile, or worse, end prematurely.
A Recurring Financial Dilemma
Barcelona’s troubles with player registration are not new. Last season, the club found itself in a similar predicament with Spain internationals Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. Though both players were initially granted temporary licenses, those registrations were later revoked by LaLiga during the January transfer window due to non-compliance with financial rules.
The situation forced manager Xavi to make significant tactical adjustments mid-season and placed the club under immense pressure from both fans and stakeholders.
This season, it appears the storm has returned — and possibly with higher stakes.
Joan Laporta Remains Optimistic
Despite the uncertainty, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is exuding confidence. Speaking to ESPN, Laporta sought to calm nerves, assuring fans and stakeholders that the club is working diligently behind the scenes to ensure all players will be cleared to play in time for the new season.
“It’s progressing well,” Laporta told ESPN when asked about the registration saga. “We’re doing our job and we’re confident that we’ll be able to register everyone.”
While Laporta’s reassurance is welcome news, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona can meet LaLiga’s strict financial guidelines, especially with the clock ticking down to the season opener.
Who Are the Other Five Players?
Although Rashford’s name has been the headline, SPORT indicates that five other players are also in the same registration limbo. While the club has not officially disclosed the full list, it is believed to include a mix of new signings and promoted youth players whose salaries or registration documents have yet to be approved by the league’s financial control body.
Given Barcelona’s already bloated wage bill and complex contract structures, registering all six players would require either significant outgoings or a restructured wage agreement with some of the club’s highest earners.
LaLiga’s Salary Cap System
Barcelona’s struggle stems largely from LaLiga’s strict financial fair play (FFP) enforcement policies, which were tightened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under current league rules, clubs are assigned a salary cap that covers player wages, amortisation of transfer fees, and other sporting costs. If a club exceeds this cap, LaLiga can block player registrations — a rule designed to maintain the financial health of Spanish football.
Barcelona’s salary cap was drastically reduced in recent years due to ballooning debt, excessive spending under previous regimes, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. While the club has made some progress in cutting costs and increasing revenue, they are still operating under a tighter budget compared to traditional rivals like Real Madrid.
Potential Solutions on the Table
To resolve the issue before the league kicks off, Barcelona have a few options at their disposal. These include:
- Offloading Fringe Players: The club could push for quick sales or loan moves for players who are not central to Xavi’s plans, freeing up space on the wage bill.
- Contract Restructuring: Negotiating pay cuts or deferred wages with senior players has been a strategy used in the past and could be revisited.
- Financial Injection or Sponsorships: Barcelona may attempt to secure new commercial deals or activate additional “economic levers” as they did last season by selling off parts of their media rights and other assets.
However, all of these solutions come with challenges — especially in a tight time frame.
Xavi’s Tactical Preparations Impacted
The registration delay also poses a direct challenge to head coach Xavi Hernandez, who is working to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new season. With uncertainty hanging over key players, including Rashford, Xavi may be forced to make last-minute changes to his matchday plans and potentially give more responsibility to youth players.
Barcelona are scheduled to open their LaLiga campaign in less than a week, making every hour count in their administrative scramble.
Pressure Mounts on Camp Nou Boardroom
As anticipation builds among fans for the new season, the pressure is now squarely on the Barcelona boardroom to deliver solutions. The club, which is still navigating stadium renovations and long-term restructuring plans, cannot afford another season of instability — either on or off the pitch.
With the eyes of the football world watching closely, Barcelona’s ability to overcome this registration crisis will not only determine their opening-day squad but could also set the tone for their entire 2025/26 campaign.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor developments in Barcelona’s ongoing registration issues and bring updates as they unfold.