Former president of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has left the club’s fans gobsmacked following his resignation speech on Tuesday, 27 October, after he spoke of the club becoming part of a new proposed – and controversial – European league.

The 57-year-old Spaniard announced his departure that evening after a vote of no confidence by Barcelona members was held against him and his fellow board members, who have also vacated their posts.

His six-year tenure at the top-flight European club has been plagued by drama on and off the pitch, from the team suffering a decline in performances, to Lionel Messi trying to leave Barca for free.

Bartomeu’s last act was to mention in his 35-minute final address that he had accepted a lucrative offer for Barca to join the proposed European Super League.

The breakaway pan-European league would supersede the UEFA Champions League, although it has received criticism from La Liga president, Javier Tebas, who later described it as “weak and imaginary.”

However, Bartomeu claims the move was prompted by the Catalan Giants’ recent money woes, and “would guarantee the financial stability of the club.”

Bartomeu’s successor will be determined within the next three months, and an interim board will take over duties in the meantime.

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