FC Barcelona file FFP complaint to block PSG move for Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona file FFP complaint to block PSG move for Lionel Messi

According to leading Spanish media outlet, MARCA a law firm representing FC Barcelona have filed an official complaint against Paris Saint Germain. The lawyers have claimed that the Parisians are worse off than their Spanish counterparts when it comes to Financial fair play situation.

After the announcement of Lionel Messi leaving his boyhood club came in a few days back, Paris were among the few clubs who were leading the race to sign the Argentine superstar. The club have very much sealed the deal and the official announcement is expected in a few days.

FC Barcelona lawyers claim Paris’ finances are worse than theirs

The letter filed by Dr Juan Branco and his team of lawyers on behalf of FC Barcelona

Paris have had a huge summer transfer window so far, where they have signed heavyweight players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Wijnaldum and Sergio Ramos. Although all of them have joined on a free transfer, they however bring with them huge wages which is the major source of dispute according to these Barcelona lawyers.

FS Video

The lawyers led by Barcelona official Dr Juan Branco, claimed that PSG’s salary-to-income ratio was 99%, while Barcelona’s was 54%. This if true is not in compliance with the Financial Fair Play rules which the clubs have to maintain across Europe.

Lionel Messi: Three possible destinations for Barcelona legend after exit confirmed
Messi: Three possible destinations for Barcelona legend after exit confirmed

The letter written by Dr Juan Branco and his team of officials said, “On behalf of FC Barcelona partners, my firm has prepared a complaint with the European Commission and demands for provisional suspension before civil and administrative courts in France to prevent Paris-Saint Germain from signing Lionel Messi.

“PSG’s ratios in terms of ‘Financial Fair Play’ are worse than those of Barcelona. It is inconceivable that the ‘Financial Fair Play’ serves to aggravate the drifts of football-business, the instrumentalization of football by sovereign powers, and the distortion of competitions.”

The letter also provides an insight into why Joan Laporta and his team were unable to renew Jessi’s contract despite the Argentine being open to a 50 percent wage reduction.

Now it remains to be seen whether UEFA are able to find any fault in Paris-Saint Germain’s financial books and ultimately deter the club from signing Lionel Messi this summer.

Also Read: An emotional Lionel Messi bids farewell to FC Barcelona