Barcelona President Laporta blames Bartomeu for “worrying” about 1.35 billion euros of debt | Barcelona

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave details of the club’s “extremely worrying” financial situation, revealing the debts of the La Liga giants amounting to 1.35 billion euros (£1.1 billion).

Laporta has blamed his predecessor, Josep Bartomeu, for a “terrible inheritance” which he says means the club’s salaries represent 103% of income at Camp Nou. He blamed the club’s “dramatic” stance for Lionel Messi’s departure and accused Bartomeu of countless “lies”, insisting that he and his board must be held accountable.

Laporte, in his second term as club president after winning the 2021 elections, said in a live press conference: “Our salaries represent 103% of the club’s total income. This is 20-25% more than our competitors.

“The first thing we had to do when we arrived was to ask for a loan of 80 million euros because otherwise, we couldn’t pay the salaries. The previous system was full of lies.”

Laporte continued: “We also found that we had to do some urgent repairs at the Camp Nou because otherwise, it would have posed a danger to the fans present. We also found out that the club had already received 50% of the TV rights fee up front. We found the wage policy in the form of a pyramid. Inverted – veterans with long contracts and young men on a short bargain. There were no pay cuts – lies.

We have found that disproportionate amounts have been paid to brokers, not even agents. Barcelona’s net worth is €451 million – it’s a terrible legacy. What was happening is very worrying.”

Despite this huge amount of problems, Laporta believes that Barcelona can fix their situation and revealed that they have taken out a loan of 550 million euros at 1.1% interest to restructure the club. He believes it will take two years for the club to return to a more stable financial position.

“The situation is tragic, but we have good news,” Laporta said. “A strategic plan based on our credibility and experience, on the assets that Barcelona owns, makes this situation temporary. I believe that in two years, the club’s economy will be healthy. We are not afraid at all. We are very motivated, positive and in high spirits. It is a big challenge but we can overcome I would like to invite all Barcelona fans and the entire club to unite. With football and unity, I am convinced that this era will be full of success.”

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