He put us in debt: Barcelona President finally reveals who let Messi go

FC Barcelona President, Joan Laporta has squared up with his predecessor, Josep Bartomeu over his role in the financial crisis rocking the La Liga club. Laporta has laid the blame squarely at Bartomeu's feet, accusing him of numerous lies and financial complicity. Laporta was elected into office in 2021 and reportedly met over €1bn in debt for the Spanish club. 

In response to Bartomeu's letter that accused the Laporta-led administration of failing to take action, Laporta revealed that many of the deals that his predecessor made put the club in debt. He highlighted the 'Barcagate' scandal and unnecessary monies paid to 'i3 ventures' as part of the reckless decisions Bartomeu and his board took. Laporta also revealed that the club had previously taken a €79m loan in exchange for 50% of Barcelona's La Liga TV rights. 

In his letter, Laporta also accused Bartomeu of including superfluous and extravagant clauses in the contracts of players. The incumbent president accused the erstwhile president of paying someone €8m for only finding players in South America. According to Laporta, the former Barcelona President is responsible for plunging the club into debts of over €1.3bn, resulting in the financial crisis that saw Lionel Messi leave the club as a free agent.