By Andrew Warshaw
January 24 – Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, one of the most influential figures in European football, has sensationally resigned over an investigation into last year’s signing of star Brazilian forward Neymar.
The decision was announced following an emergency Barcelona board meeting with Josep Maria Bartomeu, the club’s current acting vice-president of sport, taking over until 2016 when Rosell’s term was due to end.
Rosell’s shock move came 24 hours after a judge agreed to hear a lawsuit brought by Jordi Cases, a Barcelona club member, over the cost of Neymar’s signing.
The Brazil international moved to the Nou Camp from Santos in a deal worth €57 million. According to some reports, Santos received €17.1 million and question marks have been raised over the remaining €40 million.
Neymar’s arrival was heralded as a major coup for Catalan giants who beat off a spate of rivals for his signature. But the complainant alleges Rosell misappropriated funds by hiding the real cost of the transfer behind false contracts.
Rosell told a news conference, attended by his wife and brother, that his decision to quit was as much to do with threats against him and his family as the Neymar issue itself.
“The success the club has had has also come along with difficult moments for myself and my family,” he said. “There have been threats and accusations which make you consider your position including the claim of misappropriation of funds and the court case.”
“In recent days an unfair and reckless accusation of misappropriation has resulted in a lawsuit against me. From the beginning I have said that the signing of Neymar Junior has been correct and his signing has caused despair and envy in some of our adversaries.
“The right of the club members to be informed needs to be compatible with the defence of the club and confidentiality of certain matters and facts. This confidentiality is essential in the world of football because otherwise the club could be damaged.
“The board of directors is a team. And this team leads a project that has brought the club great success. I don’t want unfair attacks to negatively affect their management or the image of the club. This is why I think my time here has come to an end.
“Now, in accordance with the club’s statutes, I have presented my irrevocable resignation of the presidency of FC Barcelona to the board of directors.”
Rosell was elected president in 2010 with more than 60% of the vote and has played a key role in signing a string of big-name players including Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez, Jordi Alba and Javier Mascherano.
But some of his business practises had come under increasing scrutiny, not least his relationship with former FIFA and Brazilian football powerbroker Ricardo Teixeira.
“My first message as the new president of Barca is to announce the continuity of our project until 2016,” said Bartomeu, his successor. “We continue with the utmost desire and commitment to maintain the sporting, economic and social excellence of our club.”
Barcelona are currently level on points with Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga with Real Madrid one point behind. They face Manchester City in the glamour tie of the Champions League round of 16 next month.
Rosell’s press conference lasted just 10 minutes and while those who distrust him will be pleased to see him go, his canny marketing skills and widespread contacts network could be sorely missed.
It was not immediately clear how his resignation will effect his position at the ECA where he has played an important role in helping Europe’s clubs gain more influence in their dealings with FIFA and UEFA.
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