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Barcelona Are Pressing Charges Against Newspaper El Mundo Over A Reported £492 Million Contract Spill

 

Barcelona denied leaking knowledge of the deal with Lionel Messi – allegedly worth up to EUR 555m (£ 492m) over four seasons – and vowed to sue the newspaper responsible for publishing it.

Barcelona, which has been headed by a board of directors since the resignation of President Josep Maria Bartomeu in October in the face of a no-confidence motion ahead of the new presidential elections on March 7,said they support Messi and would take action against the newspaper.

“In view of the information published today in the newspaper El Mundo, in relation to the professional contract signed between FC Barcelona and the player Lionel Messi, the club regrets its publication given that it is a private document governed by the principle of confidentiality between the parties,” a club statement said.

“FC Barcelona categorically denies any responsibility for the publication of this document, and will take appropriate legal action against the newspaper El Mundo, for any damage that may be caused as a result of this publication.

“FC Barcelona expresses its absolute support for Lionel Messi, especially in the face of any attempt to discredit his image, and to damage his relationship with the entity where he has worked to become the best player in the world and in football history.”

However after the coronavirus crisis, Barcelona’s finances were tightened, with interim president Carlos Tusquets stating in December that the club should’ve just sold Messi during the summer transfer window.

“Economically speaking, I would’ve sold Messi in the summer window,” Tusquets told RAC1 radio station. “Both in terms of what you save on the wage bill as well as the money you make, it would’ve been desirable. But this is something the coaching staff have to consent to and that’s not my place.

“La Liga are setting salary limits at the moment and this would’ve helped on that front.”

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