FIFA has officially informed Real Madrid that Franco Mastantuono's registration with the reserve team is fully valid. This confirmation was communicated through the legal-administrative channels linked to the federation, clearing up any doubts. The organization has stated that the move doesn't violate any current national or international regulations in professional soccer.
The decision represents a boost to Florentino Pérez's strategy, who was seeking to free up a spot in the first team. With this approach, Real Madrid ensures room to maneuver in the market without compromising legality. The club can now better manage its registrations and keep flexibility for new signings.
Florentino's strategic move
This move responds to a very specific plan by the board. Real Madrid has the maximum of 25 allowed registrations, and the arrival of Franco Mastantuono required seeking administrative alternatives. The solution has been to register him with Castilla, wearing number 30, but with full integration into the first team.
Thanks to this management, Florentino guarantees that the Argentine footballer can make his debut without restrictions from the start of the season. Meanwhile, he keeps a free spot to strengthen the squad if an opportunity arises in the market. This double advantage makes the operation effective both in sporting and institutional terms.
Context and precedents in LaLiga
What happened with Franco Mastantuono is not an isolated case in Spanish soccer. In recent years, several LaLiga clubs have resorted to registering young prospects with the reserve team to keep room in their squads. The practice is common and, although some sectors question it, it has rarely had disciplinary consequences.
Sports law experts have warned that abusive use could be considered an attempt to circumvent the rules. However, as long as the free spot in the first team is not irregularly filled, FIFA and RFEF endorse this approach. In practice, Florentino's move complies with the law and follows precedents that have gone unsanctioned.
The signing of Franco Mastantuono involved an outlay of nearly €63 million, a figure that reflects his enormous potential. Coming from River Plate, his contract took effect when he turned 18 years old, allowing him to make an immediate jump to European soccer. From the beginning, Florentino's idea was to have him involved with the first team dynamic.