Florentino Pérez’s Surprising Role in Helping Barcelona Register Dani Olmo & Pau Víctor
In an unexpected twist, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez played a crucial role in allowing FC Barcelona to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor during a heated La Liga title race. Despite the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, Pérez’s decision not to oppose Barcelona’s registration attempts proved vital in resolving their crisis.
Barcelona’s Registration Struggles
Barcelona faced major financial obstacles and La Liga’s strict regulations, preventing them from registering their new signings. The Spanish Football Federation had rejected multiple attempts, leaving Olmo and Víctor in limbo.
While clubs like Atlético Madrid and Sevilla actively opposed Barcelona’s efforts, Pérez remained neutral, ensuring that the Blaugrana were not unfairly blocked from fielding their players.
Laporta’s Public Gratitude
Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly thanked Pérez and Real Madrid for their neutrality, acknowledging how it promoted fair competition and a spirit of sportsmanship in Spanish football.
Impact on the Season
With the crisis resolved, Olmo and Víctor played in key matches, including the Spanish Super Cup final, where Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2. Their contributions highlighted the importance of Pérez’s intervention, even though it ultimately helped Madrid’s fiercest rivals.
A Gesture Beyond Rivalry
Pérez’s unexpected move reinforced the values of sportsmanship, showing that even in the most intense rivalries, mutual respect and cooperation can shape the game’s future. His decision not to stand in Barcelona’s way demonstrated that football transcends competition, valuing fairness over rivalry.
