FC Barcelona has missed out on a multi-million euro windfall due to a sell-on clause stemming from Luis Figo's transfer to Real Madrid in 2000. The clause, which entitled Barcelona to a percentage of a future sale involving the player, has been triggered by Figo's recent departure from Inter Milan, where he served as sporting director.
The original agreement between Barcelona and Inter, which took Figo to Italy in a surprise move, included this financial provision. Now, with Figo's move to another club, Inter has made a payment that activates the obligation. However, due to the age of the contract and legal complexities, Barcelona has been unable to collect the funds, foregoing a sum reported to be several million euros.
The club's board has been briefed on the matter but has not made any public statement. This episode highlights how clauses in historic contracts can have financial repercussions decades after they are signed. While dealing with this administrative setback, the first team is enjoying a superb run on the pitch.
Barcelona sits top of La Liga with 18 points from six straight wins, three points clear of Real Madrid. The team has scored 28 goals and conceded just six. Raphinha is the season's top scorer with nine goals in six appearances, according to the latest data.
The next challenge is a trip to face fourth-placed Sevilla on September 19. For that match, manager Xavi Hernández will be without the injured Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji. The full season schedule is available on our fixtures page.
Despite the financial hiccup, the club's sporting health is excellent. The winning streak includes emphatic victories like the 5-1 over Feyenoord in the Champions League and a 5-0 win at Valencia's Mestalla. The team heads into the next phase of competition with the confidence of leading the standings convincingly.
