Barcelona has "something of a problem" in its book-balancing, which will "seriously limit" its movements in the January transfer market, when the FIFA ban on registering new players comes to an end, according to Santi Giménez of AS. If there is "no further word from the world governing body," Barça will be able to inscribe Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal to its squad on Jan. 4, but Manager Luis Enrique will "also seek to strengthen his squad further having been denied the chance to sign players over two transfer windows." The club "cannot afford to risk" exceeding its budget. Barça's wage bill "has rocketed in recent years" and is on the threshold of that allowed under UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations. On the other hand the club's own statutes -- in an article approved by the current board -- state that any board that allows EBITDA multiplied by two to exceed the club's overall debt "must stand down." With just 13 days until the next club general assembly, "that ratio is dangerously close." To be "within the financial guideline set out by the club, as paid out at the last assembly, the club should have a ration of 2.5 points." As things stand it is at 3.2 points. More than a FIFA sanction, that alone will "seriously hinder" Barça's maneuverability in the market. On Sept. 24 the Spanish Football League (LFP) set the wage caps for Spanish football clubs. Barça's stands at €421M ($478M), and according to the club's figures it is currently €419M ($476M). If the club cannot sell, (Adriano and Douglas are the most likely candidates) it "cannot bring in new players, except on loan" (AS, 10/12).
CLUB BACKS MESSI: In London, Tom Sheen reported Barcelona offered its "full support" to Lionel Messi as he "continues to face allegations of tax fraud." The club said in a statement, "Barcelona has expressed its affection and solidarity to Leo Messi and his family in such a peculiar situation. The club shall continue to offer him and his family its full support and assistance in the legal, fiscal and administrative aspects of these proceedings" (INDEPENDENT, 10/9).
ADRIANO UNDER MICROSCOPE: In Barcelona, Tomàs Andreu reported Adriano Correia is the "latest victim" in the Spanish tax authorities' "exhaustive inspections of nearly the entire blaugrana roster." Correia "will this week receive a formal complaint from the District Attorney's office" in a case similar to the one that Javier Mascherano is facing (SPORT, 10/12).
