Barcelona Face Potentially Harsher UEFA Sanctions for Repeated Financial Rule Breaches

Barcelona are reportedly at risk of facing stricter sanctions from UEFA after allegedly violating the organization’s financial regulations for a second time.

The Catalan giants were previously fined £420,000 (€500,000) last year for breaching UEFA rules and narrowly avoided a ban from the 2024–25 Champions League. Despite being cleared to compete in the last European campaign, the club’s financial instability continues to raise concern.

According to The Times, UEFA could now impose tougher penalties on Barcelona for repeat violations. Possible measures include a reduced squad registration limit for Champions League matches and even a points deduction — outcomes that could carry serious sporting and financial consequences.

Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles have been well-documented. Earlier this year, the club had to sell 475 VIP seats at the newly renovated Nou Camp to afford re-registration of key players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, following a drawn-out dispute with LaLiga.

UEFA had previously warned that any future breach would be viewed as a repeat offense, warranting stronger disciplinary action. This stance was confirmed in a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling last October, where the governing body stated: “A similar breach by the club in the 2023/24 monitoring process would constitute a case of recidivism and would be addressed by the imposition of a harsher disciplinary measure.”

While English clubs Chelsea and Aston Villa also face penalties for breaching financial regulations, their status as first-time offenders could result in less severe consequences. Chelsea, in particular, drew UEFA’s attention after a controversial £200 million internal deal involving their women’s team was rejected by the governing body.

A final decision on the penalties for all three clubs — Barcelona, Chelsea, and Aston Villa — is expected later this month.