Barça fans lose court case on Messi transfer investigation in EU

FC Barcelona fans, led by Issam Abdelmouine and the fan group Penya Barça Lyon, sought to have the European Commission investigate alleged unfair state aid that may have influenced Lionel Messi's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The fans argued that PSG benefited from lenient financial fair play regulations in France, which allowed state-owned clubs to overspend. However, the European Union's top court ruled against them, stating that they were not directly affected by any state subsidy and lacked the standing to demand an investigation. The court's decision came after Abdelmouine filed a complaint shortly after Messi's departure from Barcelona, claiming that the financial dynamics of the transfer were unfair. The court upheld a previous ruling that dismissed his case, emphasizing that a general interest in football does not qualify as being an "interested party" in legal terms. This ruling highlights the challenges fans face when trying to influence regulatory bodies in sports. Abdelmouine's lawyer expressed disappointment that FC Barcelona and its president, Joan Laporta, did not support the legal challenge, which could have strengthened their case. The fans' struggle reflects a broader concern about the financial interests of clubs overshadowing the sport's integrity, as they navigate complex financial regulations. Ultimately, the court's ruling signifies a setback for supporters who feel marginalized in the decision-making processes that affect their beloved sport. The case underscores the ongoing debate about financial fairness in football and the role of state aid in shaping competitive balance within European leagues.