Como’s €60m Nico Paz Deal: How They Circumvent FFP Rules

FolioPitch.com – 27 June 2026 | Why Como are able to spend 60m on Nico Paz despite expected FFP breach is a question that has puzzled many in the football world. The Serie A club, owned by a wealthy consortium, has agreed to a complex deal with Real Madrid: the Spanish giants trigger a €9m buy-back clause, only for Como to immediately repurchase Paz for €60m, with a further €80m buy-back option for Madrid in 2027. This financial maneuvering raises eyebrows given that Como are on the verge of breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Yet, as reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport clarify, the club is not avoiding the rules—they are simply prepared to face the consequences.

Why Como are able to spend 60m on Nico Paz despite expected FFP breach hinges on their ownership’s deep pockets and a strategic willingness to enter a settlement agreement with UEFA. Como’s ownership group, the wealthiest in Serie A, has injected over €390m into the club since 2019. While UEFA’s sustainability rules limit losses to €60m over three years, Como’s deficits have soared: €50m in 2023-24, €132m in 2024-25, and an estimated €100m for 2025-26. The club, however, has no debt and net assets exceeding €54m, factors that UEFA may consider favorably.

Como’s qualification for the Champions League has boosted revenues but also subjects the club to stricter UEFA scrutiny. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Como will inevitably exceed the loss threshold. To mitigate penalties, the club is exploring a settlement agreement, which could cap future spending for three to four seasons. UEFA tends to look kindly on clubs that invest rationally and have a proven track record of owner funding, especially first-time offenders like Como.

Why Como are able to spend 60m on Nico Paz despite expected FFP breach also reflects the club’s long-term planning. The deal secures a talented attacking midfielder who was instrumental in their historic top-four finish. By spreading the financial impact through a settlement, Como can retain Paz without immediate disciplinary action. The risk is acceptable given the potential Champions League revenue and the club’s robust financial backing.

In conclusion, Como’s €60m move for Nico Paz is a calculated gamble. While they expect to breach FFP, their ownership’s liquidity, lack of debt, and willingness to negotiate a settlement with UEFA make the deal viable. Why Como are able to spend 60m on Nico Paz despite expected FFP breach boils down to financial strategy: they are betting that the benefits of keeping Paz outweigh the short-term penalties. The coming months will reveal whether this bold approach pays off on the pitch and in the boardroom.