The turmoil had long been evident, and it is not solely related to the corona virus. In the night to Friday, the already tense situation at FC Barcelona escalated completely: two vice presidents and four club directors announced their resignation. They accuse Barca President Josep Maria Bartomeu of serious misconduct in a social media affair and in dealing with the Corona crisis.
The revolting faction asked Bartomeu as soon as possible to announce a new election of the presidium and criticized the club for hiring an external company in the social media area. Bartomeu has always rejected allegations that the company created social media profiles to defame future presidential candidates, current or former Barca players.
“Someone reached into the cash register”
The contract with the company I3 Ventures, which also denied misconduct itself, has meanwhile been canceled, but the media have long given the affair the name “Barcagate”. Corruption should also play a role. “Someone reached into the box office,” said Emili Rousaud, one of two resigned vice presidents, on Friday on the Catalan radio station RAC-1.
In a letter to the fans, Rousaud and his five colleagues also expressed their concerns about whether Bartomeu could lead the club through the coronavirus crisis. Bartomeu has been President of Barca since 2014. According to the statutes, he cannot face re-election to a third term. Superstar Lionel Messi had also recently shown himself critical of the Barca leadership. (apa / Reuters)
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