Despite him being one of their best players, Barcelona are still unable to register midfielder Gavi as a first-team player in La Liga.
Gavi, real name Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, made his first-team debut with the Blaugrana in August 2021 and is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
A regular with the Spain national team, both he and midfield partner Pedri have been in fine form for Barca, who are three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.
The 2022 Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy winner has already played half a century of games in La Liga but as reported by MARCA, is still not recognised as a first-team player.
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The Spanish outlet say Barcelona were confident that La Liga would approve his registration but it is not the case.
Barcelona's financial situation has been well documented and the Catalans still fall foul of some Financial Fair Play regulations, despite Memphis Depay's move to Atletico Madrid and Gerard Pique's retirement.
They had hoped lowering the salary mass would result in Gavi being registered yet Barca still do not comply with articles 101 and 93.6.
The former states that renewals must take into account the cost of next year's squad, with the second saying that because of the many economic levers they had to activate, Barcelona are required to present a financial plan for the next two seasons.
It means that his contract renewal, signed until 2026 and with a €1 billion release clause is not yet active, while he is also unable to take on the No.6 shirt.
It was widely reported that Barca were ready to hand their prodigy the iconic number worn by manager and club legend Xavi Hernandez.
However, the latest is that they have not got the green light from La Liga and Gavi will therefore have to stick with the No.30 for the time-being.
Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde and Inaki Pena are also in similar positions as their new contracts have not been registered.
Gavi's last contract was signed as a 16-year-old in 2020 and he is poised to remain on these terms until the summer.
The former Real Betis prospect has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season.
Topics: Gavi, Barcelona, La Liga, Joan Laporta
Josh Lawless