The Barcelona president introduced a grim image of the membership’s monetary state of affairs on Monday, saying its debt had risen to 1.35 billion euros ($1.6 billion).
Joan Laporta blamed Josep Bartomeu’s earlier administration for the membership’s “dramatic” state of affairs, which ultimately led to the departure of Lionel Messi. Laporta accused Bartomeu of numerous “lies” and mentioned he and his board of administrators ought to be held accountable.
Laporta mentioned the membership suffered a lack of 481 million euros ($567 million) and was left with a damaging internet price of 451 million euros ($532 million), making it tough to barter with the gamers.
“Our salary represents 103% of the club’s total income. This is 20% to 25% more than our competitors,” Laporta mentioned at a information convention. “We have found ourselves in a difficult position to renegotiate players’ contracts.”
The membership misplaced star participant Messi to Paris Saint-Germain this month as a result of it couldn’t supply him a brand new contract that may match inside the Spanish league’s strict monetary fair-playing guidelines.
Laporta mentioned the membership’s debt included about 390 million euros ($460 million) associated to the participant’s wage. More than 670 million euros ($790 million) have been in debt with banks, whereas some 40 million euros ($47 million) have been linked to membership losses. He mentioned the influence of the coronavirus pandemic was 91 million euros ($107 million).
Laporta was a kind of focused by some followers within the staff’s Spanish league opener on Sunday, once they beat Real Sociedad 4-2. Banners have been erected exterior the Camp Nou criticizing Laporta and accusing him of not doing sufficient to retain Messi.
Some additionally criticized Bartomeu, who lately revealed a letter during which he denied any wrongdoing throughout his administration. Bartomeu resigned final 12 months amid monetary struggles and his variations with Messi.
Gerard Pique mentioned on Sunday he needed to take a pay reduce in order that the membership may register a few of its new gamers forward of the opener towards Sociedad, and anticipated different skilled gamers equivalent to Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto to do the identical. was completed.
Laporta mentioned the membership supposed to chop salaries by about 200 million euros ($235 million), and that the main focus would now be on selling younger gamers. Some of the gamers signed low season got here as free brokers, together with Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero.
Laporta mentioned that regardless of the “complex” state of affairs the membership is in, he thinks it’s going to all be resolved in a couple of years.
“We’re not afraid at all. We are highly motivated,” he said. “It’s an enormous problem however we’ve got been in a position to overcome it.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
