Barcelona return to the 1:1 Rule: Here’s what it means for the club | OneFootball

The last few weeks have not really been easy for FC Barcelona. After seeing their team lose the top spot in the La Liga table after a string of unfavorable results, things got ugly even in the offices as the Catalans were unable to get their duo of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor registered with La Liga.

However, amidst these difficulties, a sliver of positive news has emerged for the Blaugranes. The club has finally returned to a 1:1 status, a significant milestone after several transfer windows hampered by financial restrictions.

While this renewed financial flexibility marks a step in the right direction, the road ahead remains complicated. In this context, Spanish news outlet SPORT has released a comprehensive report discussing the implications of Barcelona’s return to 1:1 status.

What is the 1:1 Rule?

Under the 1:1 rule, Barcelona can now spend the exact amount it earns through player sales or other revenues. However, there’s a catch: before signing new players, Barça must first sell or offload current squad members to create space under LaLiga’s salary cap. This “sell before you buy” approach is essential for compliance.

For example, if Barça signs a player for €50 million on a five-year contract with a €2 million annual salary, the club needs to free up €12 million to register the player (€10 million amortized transfer fee plus €2 million annual salary). Similarly, selling a player involves deducting their remaining amortization from the sale price to determine how much space is created.

Why It Matters for Barcelona

This marks a significant departure from previous windows, where Barça operated under the stringent 1:4 rule, requiring them to clear four times the value of any new signing. This restricted their ability to make impactful moves in the market.

Now, with the 1:1 rule in place, Barça has regained some flexibility. However, maximizing this advantage will require calculated sales and smart financial management.

Impact on Olmo and Pau Víctor Registrations

Despite the return to the 1:1 rule, uncertainty looms over the registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. La Liga has confirmed that Barcelona now complies with economic regulations, but both players remain unregistered due to legal complexities.

The matter is now in the hands of the Spanish Football Federation’s legal team, tasked with evaluating the situation and issuing a decision. A resolution is expected within days or even hours, as Barcelona fans anxiously await clarity on whether the two players can officially join the squad.