Alea iacta est

Die is cast. If he follows and the goal is achieved, we usually remember the feat and glorify his heroism. If, on the contrary, it fails, its existence crumbles, or worse, it is perpetuated as a negative example for later generations.

Many say that football has changed. I don’t know if nostalgia made them see it that way, but if we look at the results of football clubs, we can check it objectively. It is not necessary to know the numbers to see that it has become a big business, with many interests and money at stake. It doesn’t look like a place for amateurs. This is nonsense. However, creativity when it comes to twisting numbers to say what you want has its intricacies, which, woven well, can lead to alchemy that turns humble metal into pure gold.

FC Barcelona had its crossroads and decided on the path it must now take. The Covid crisis has not helped to improve things, and the results and net worth of the last few years are signs that important changes are urgently needed. However, companies are not linear and it is quite normal that they need to adjust their speeds in order to continue in the right direction. However, fate wanted so many events of different signs to come together that it is difficult for the general public to distinguish operational decisions from strategic ones.

There is a lot of talk about the reform of Espai Barça and the new Camp Nou. The amount to finance the tide, and even more to pay the interest. Revenue expectations and cost containment can, at worst, be in line with reality. Remember that sports results do not always follow. Increasing debt can bring companions with the ability to condition decisions and is not always pleasant, in addition to feeling like a constant sword of Damocles. In short, a lot of work and problems in sight.

With this panorama, one could think about postponing these reforms and letting the train pass where many of its direct competitors have already boarded. Would it be reasonable? Fame costs money, it has to be paid for and there is no other choice for those who want it but to walk or break.

Jose Pablo Abeal Vazquez He is a professor at UDK and an economist