Barcelona Rocked By Resignation Of Six Board Members

Emile Rousaud and Enrique Tombas, who are two of the club’s four vice presidents as well as directors Silvio Elias, Maria Teixidor, Josep Pont and Jordi Clasamiglia have all left their posts.

They cited disagreements with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu over the way the club is being run as their reason for leaving.

Barcelona have been dogged by a number of off-the-field incidents this year.

In February, captain Lionel Messi hit back at sporting director Eric Abidal for questioning the commitment of the club’s players under former manager Ernesto Valverde.

There have also been recent reports that Barcelona paid a third-party company to speak ill of the club’s players and potential candidates for next summer’s elections online. The club have denied the allegations.

'We would like to communicate that the directors signed below have informed President Bartomeu of our decision to irrevocably resign our positions at the club,’ the group’s resignation letter via La Vanguardia read.

'We have reached this point and see no way to reverse the ways business is managed at the club ahead of important challanges in the future and especially post-pandemic.

'We want to stress our disappointment over the unfortunate incident with social media accounts, known as "Barcagate" in the press.

'We ask that once the current audit is carried out by PWC we want to ensure the accountability will be handed to those it corresponds to.

'Lastly, although it's the least important thing, we want to thank the directors and express our gratitude to our colleagues on the board who have dedicated their energy and strength to the good of Barcelona Football Club. We would like to thank the executives and the employees of the club for your support and excellent work during this time. It has been our pleasure to serve out beloved Barca.'