FC Barcelona’s financial stability is under significant threat as the club faces a potential $440 million (€400 million) shortfall in its accounts. This alarming situation stems from a deal with the Libero group, which has yet to fulfill its $44 million (€40 million) payment obligation to the club. Victor Font, a former presidential candidate, has raised concerns about the dire economic implications for the renowned football club.

In a landmark agreement dated August 11 last year, Libero football finance AG, along with private investors guided by NIPA Capital B.V., became partners in Bridgeburg Invest, the holding entity of Barca Vision. This deal saw the investors acquiring a 29.5% stake in Barca Vision for $131.5 million (€120 million), a segment previously owned by Socios.com and Orpheus Media. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet. 

Libero’s specific commitment in this arrangement involved purchasing a 9.8% share in Bridgeburg for $44 million (€40 million). The agreed payment, due by December 31, has reportedly not been made, triggering concerns among club affiliates like Victor Font. Font, who contested against Joan Laporta in the 2021 presidential elections, expresses grave worries regarding FC Barcelona’s economic future.

Font’s concerns were echoed in a tweet he shared from the EFE news agency, which detailed Barca’s demands for the overdue payment from Libero. He described the situation as “serious” and a cause for “great concern.” Font highlighted the risk of losing €400 million of ‘profits’ connected to this transaction, potentially creating a substantial equity gap in the club’s finances and worsening its Financial Fair Play status.

Font criticized the club’s management for hastily executing the deal with inexperienced partners in the audiovisual sector, suggesting that such decisions come with inherent risks. He lamented the lack of substantial income generation three years post-elections and a year and a half following the sale of a 49% stake in Barça Studios.

Demanding accountability, Font urged Laporta and his board to provide “convincing explanations” to club members on their strategy to rectify the situation. He also advised against resorting to similar financial tactics with unverified partners in the future, proposing collaborations with established industrial entities instead.

This financial predicament presents a stark challenge for FC Barcelona, a club with a storied history in football. The resolution of this issue and the strategic decisions made in its wake could significantly impact the club’s economic health and its standing in the world of sports. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.