Barca suffered some financial mismanagement during Josep Maria Bartomeu's reign as president. As a result, the club was trapped in what the Spanish League calls "[1:4 rule] Financial Fair Play."

What does [1:4 rule] Financial Fair Play mean for La Liga clubs?

[1:4 rule] is a La Liga financial fair plan that forces a club to only spend a fraction of its earnings. For example, any La Liga club caught in this rule could only spend £1 for every £4 they saved or earned.

Currently, Barça falls under this [1:4 rule], so the club has been operating on limited funding since last season or more. That's why President Joan Laporta has been pulling various 'levers' to return to the normal, which is [1:1 rule] Financial Fair Play.

What is [1:1 rule] Financial Fair Play in Laliga?

This means a club can spend whatever percentage they're earning from various sources. So, any Spanish club under the [1:1 rule] has a healthy spending cap. Such clubs will be able to spend every euro they bring in.

For example, if a club like Valencia makes £4, they're allowed to spend the £4. 

Is that why Barça aren't signing every player the fans want?

Yes! Barça needs to return to [1:1 rule] financial freedom next season to balance their account, as that's the only way La Liga will give them the go-ahead to do whatever they want with money.

Right now, Barça are restricted to spending just a little of the cash they're making.

Is There Any Hope of Barça Balancing the Account in the 2024–25 Season?

La Liga president Javier Tebas already said Barça is doing enough to return to the [1:1 rule] next season. We hope that happens.

Joan Laporta is also certain of getting a huge chunk of money from Nike deal, the company in charge of Barça jerseys.

There's also a deal with an American company to handle catering at Spotify Camp Nou. Another money!

And a host of other sources of income are still under negotiation. 

What Should Culers Expect?

As for now, it would be difficult to make enough money that'd bring superstars like Dani Olmo and Nico Williams together without selling other Barça superstars.

Don't get me wrong: Barça can sacrifice for one but not two at this time.

The issue of funding is why:

Barça backed off from landing Amadou Onana of Everton, so they can focus on Nico Williams and hope Ansu Fati clicks again.

It's also the same reason the likes of João Cancelo and João Felix might be allowed to leave so they can register some la Masia talents.

It is also the same reason Lionel Messi and Suarez left.

It is also the reason other club fans, especially Real Madrid fans, call Barça a broke club.