The agreement between FC Barcelona and Nike is at the center of controversy. The relationship between the American brand and the Catalan club could be in jeopardy following accusations by Josep Oriola, a Barça member. This situation has sparked a conflict that affects not only Joan Laporta's management but also the club's economic stability.
On December 21, 2024, Barça approved a contract with Nike for 1.7 billion over 14 years. However, according to Josep Oriola, the validity of this assembly is questionable. Oriola, a lawyer with a previous confrontation with Laporta, questions the legitimacy of the agreement due to the conditions of the meeting, as reported by El Periódico.
Serious violations
Oriola has argued that the assembly was convened in a hybrid manner, which, in his opinion, is illegal. According to the Barça member, the lack of physical presence at the event prevents a fair and transparent vote. Additionally, he accuses the club of not providing the necessary documentation about the contract with Nike, which has deprived members of voting with informed judgment.
In his statement, Oriola highlights that the club didn't provide the details of the agreement, which has created a lack of transparency about the essential terms of the contract. This affects the members and all club members, who didn't have access to key information to make a decision.
Legal consequences
Oriola doesn't just file a complaint; he also bases his grievance on the Llei de l'Esport de Catalunya. According to the legislation, breaching agreements and lack of transparency in a club are serious violations. The lawyer asserts that the form of the assembly and the concealment of the Nike contract clearly violate the regulations.
Oriola's statement requests, first, the total annulment of the December 21 assembly. Secondly, he calls for a new meeting to repeat the vote, but this time in person and with all the information about the Nike contract available to the members. Transparency is key, as, according to Oriola, members must know all the details of the agreement to vote knowledgeably.
The threat to Barça's economic stability
The agreement with Nike is crucial for FC Barcelona's economic future. If it is proven that the contract approval process was flawed or illegal, the implications for the club could be serious. Barça could not only face a possible annulment of the agreement but also lose a key source of long-term income.
Nike's sponsorship is key for the club and, if properly executed, would alleviate Barça's financial situation. Now at stake is not only the legitimacy of the agreement but also Laporta's management and the club's future stability.