If you thought things could not get more complicated for Barcelona in financial terms, wait till you find out about the latest blow to the team's finances.
According to a report by Catalunya Radio, the team will register its lowest number of season ticket holders in over a decade, as over 26,000 ticket holders have surrendered their rights to occupy those seats due to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As per Catalunya Radio's numbers, only 57,000 fans will hold season tickets, which will be a bit over 50% of the stadium's full capacity.
Barcelona had given their season ticket holders a chance to surrender their rights to use their seats this season due to the financial problems they may have encountered due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, that 25% drop in attendance will hit the team's finances hard when they needed fresh matchday money the most.
The season ticket holders that chose not to purchase this season's tickets may still have a chance to do so next year due to the compensations executed by the club after the pandemic. Nevertheless, only time will tell how many of them will return for the 2022-23 season and if this drop in season ticket numbers doesn't have to do with Lionel Messi's departure.
