The Spanish Supreme Court has ruled against a regulation implemented by FC Barcelona in 2018 that prohibited club members from selling their season tickets for a profit. This legislation was enacted after a scandal regarding the resale of tickets for high-profile matches, particularly El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Under this rule, members who were unable to attend matches were required to return their seats to the club through a scheme known as 'seient lliure', where they received only a nominal compensation. The court's decision nullifies this regulation and brings into question the club's authority to control how members manage their season tickets.

This ruling is significant as it not only impacts the club's financial policies but also affects the rights of its members, who can now sell their seats freely. This change may encourage a more dynamic marketplace around season tickets, potentially increasing their value and allowing members to benefit from their investments in a way that was previously restricted. The court found that enforcing such limitations on the sale of season tickets was unjustifiable, indicating that the club's attempts to control ticket sales in the wake of past scandals were overly restrictive.

As FC Barcelona navigates this new legal landscape, it may need to reevaluate how it manages ticket sales and member engagement. This ruling could lead to changes in policy that allows for greater flexibility for members, which may foster better relationships between the club and its fans. Moreover, the decision could set a precedent for other sports organizations, influencing their policies on ticket sales and member rights in Spain and potentially beyond.