The French side, Paris Saint Germain were being termed as favorites to sign the legendary Barcelona number 10 Lionel Messi. But it looks like their plans may have hit a slight snag. According to MARCA, a complaint has been filed by Spanish journalist Dr.Juan Branco, on behalf of FC Barcelona’s board members which may block the transfer of the Argentine wizard to the Parc des Princes.
The complaint that has been filed is in terms with the Financial Fair Play (FFP) and states that Lionel Messi’s signing to Paris Saint Germain will offshoot over their FFP ratio. He also stated in the report that Paris Saint Germain’s ratio is worse than that of FC Barcelona.
FFP may block Messi’s move to PSG
Last week it was learned that PSG was the first club to approach the now free Lionel Messi, who had officially left FC Barcelona. PSG also sent an official contact for two years with an additional year of extension possible if both parties are interested. The contract that Lionel and his father Jorge Messi received would give the footballer wages of 40 Million Euros per year.
According to the official complaint shared by Dr. Juan Branco, In the 2019/20 season, PSG had used 99% of their income for the salary of their players. On the other hand, FC Barcelona had used up just 54% of their income.
To add to this, PSG has added the likes of Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Achraf Hakimi to their ranks. This would guarantee their breach of the FFP easily. Also, last season the club added Icardi to their ranks.
Why it makes sense?
As stated before, FC Barcelona had used up just 54% of their income towards the entire salary of their players in 2019/20. Lionel Messi even offered to bring down his wages by 50 percent. But still, FC Barcelona could not keep the Argentine icon at the club as the total salary of the team would have reached 110 percent of the limit imposed by the European and Spanish Fair play body respectively.
Hence it doesn’t seem possible that PSG, even after adding so many new talents to their roster, would be able to adhere to the FFP.
What does this mean?
If it is proven the PSG has not been able to adhere to the FFP regulations, the European body would block Lionel Messi’s move to Paris Saint Germain and the player would have to look at other options to move.
But it is important that the signing ban occurs before the actual contract signing occurs between the club and the player. Once the signing occurs the European body cannot avert it, but can just have hearings on its matter which would just drag things out and have no implications on the signing itself.
Can PSG still sign Messi?
PSG would be able to sign Messi depending on Financial Fair play numbers. If the overall Income is more than the Salary of the players in the given year then the club can go ahead with the move.
Also, it has been noted that the French forward Kylian Mbappe wants a move out of the French capital. Selling him to another club would give PSG a hefty transfer fee which could help them in signing Lionel Messi.
The Spanish giants, Real Madrid are eager to sign Kylian Mbappe and this might turn out to be a boon for the club as Paris Saint Germain would have to sell the player now or risk losing out on Lionel Messi’s signature. Also, Kylian Mbappe would become a free agent in June 2022 which would mean that Paris Saint Germain would lose the young winger without a transfer fee if he doesn’t sign a contract extension at the club.
Messi acknowledges the interest of PSG
Lionel Messi held a press conference at FC Barcelona on 8th August. In the press conference, he acknowledged the interest of PSG and said that the club was one of the options. He also said immediately that as of that moment, he had not signed with any other club.
