A fine of 45 million euros is exempted! Laporta: Cheferin has outstanding abilities and a deep understanding of football

Barcelona Chairman Laporta accepted an exclusive interview with the World Sports and talked about topics such as Barcelona being fined by UEFA.

You have met with Cheferin many times regarding Barcelona's relationship with UEFA. The club was fined 60 million euros, which was later successfully reduced to 15 million euros. What happened during the negotiation process?

Laporta: "This is a complex problem. The root cause lies in the famous 'leverage' operation. These levers were recognized by the La Liga in the 2022-23 season. However, according to the different rules and systems of La Liga and UEFA, these levers are given different recognition standards. According to UEFA rules, these levers cannot be regarded as unconventional income and can only be included in ordinary operating income. This leads to our accounts being in a loss state when calculated according to UEFA standards. The amount of losses is calculated based on a specific coefficient and triggers the penalty mechanism. Since leverage involves huge amounts of funds, the core argument for ease of punishment is that Barcelona adopts a unique legal structure, and we are organized by non-profit associations jointly owned by all members. This model closely connects the club with the community, and all Barcelona members are deeply proud of this."

Does Cheferin understand this position?

Laporta: "Cefelin has special insights. He is well versed in football and understands Barcelona's unique genes. He can clearly distinguish the essential differences between joint-stock companies and non-stock models. Faced with the financial crisis in the 2022-23 season, joint-stock clubs can solve the problem by increasing capital and expanding shares, but Barcelona does not have this option. This is the fundamental difference between joint-stock companies and member non-profit associations. I think UEFA finally understands our claim. In addition, the reduction of penalties is also due to a series of benign interactions between Barcelona and UEFA afterwards. We Proving to UEFA the rationality of management decisions and the continued improvement of the club's economic situation are all taken into consideration. From the case coordinator and his team to the final presentation of our complaint to the UEFA President, all parties in the entire process fully understand the basis for mitigation. I have known Cheferin for many years. He is outstanding in his ability and has a deep understanding of football and is committed to maintaining the world leadership of European football. "

Back to the fine UEFA imposed on Barcelona - the fine reduced from 60 million euros to 15 million euros. What requests has UEFA made to Barcelona in order to avoid paying the remaining 45 million euros?

Laporta: "This penalty is only economical and was finally determined to be 15 million euros. Whether the balance is exempted depends on whether we meet specific financial indicators. The indicators we discuss are limited to the financial level and need to continue our operating direction in recent seasons. That is, to achieve positive returns at the ordinary operating level or stay within a reasonable range, while reducing the size of the negative assets. We are currently continuing to advance with a decrease of at least 10% per year. This rule has been internalized as our operating standards, and we work around this goal every year and will work hard to completely exempt subsequent penalties. This clause will be terminated after two fiscal years."