Barcelona to sell Camp Nou ‘title rights’ to raise money for the fight against Covid-19.

Spanish giants, FC Barcelona have today announced they are selling the naming rights of the Camp Nou for the 2020/21 season to the Barça Foundation. The goal is to raise revenue that the Foundation will invest in research projects aimed at fighting the effects of Covid-19. The decision has been taken by the FC Barcelona board in a video-meeting on Tuesday  presided over by Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The Blaugrana wrote on their website, “In the next few weeks, the Barça Foundation, through the Club’s Commercial Area, will begin the process of finding a sponsor who wishes to acquire the title rights to Camp Nou for a season with the proceeds going to finance research projects and other projects involved in the battle against the effects of COVID-19, both at a local and international level. Barça are ceding those rights for a name to be put to Camp Nou for the very first time as the title rights are a commercial option that has never been exploited before. Now, the Foundation will put out on to the market the title rights and it will use the money a sponsor brings in the service of a vital cause and one that benefits everyone. The income generated will create a fund that will be divided in the following way: a part will be destined for a project on COVID-19 driven by the sponsors themselves and the rest will be shared out amongst other projects that are being developed in parallel.”

Also Read: Footballing world is joining the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are very happy to be able to drive forward this initiative that offers something as emblematic as the name of our stadium, so that institutions, organisations, businesses who wise may associate themselves with it and as such, contribute to the fight against COVID-19, given that their investment will used to finance research projects on the illness and projects that are working to eradicate or lessen its effects. Right now, we can quantify the effects of this health crisis but what we do know is that it will require all our resources to defeat it and for that reason it is so important that we all together make a solid, firm commitment. 

“We are facing a global crisis without precedent in our modern history and we have to assume with courage and calm the responsibility that we have. For that reason, from both the Club and the Foundation, we consider it vital at this time of humanitarian crisis to use all the resources available at the organisation to fight against the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences. It forms part of our way of doing things and of being as an institution.Jordi Cardoner, the first vice president of FC Barcelona and of the Barça Foundation said in a statement.

The statement continued, “The cause, fighting against the coronavirus, is a global one. Being the top sporting entity on a world scale implies that we take on this challenge as fully as we can and if we can serve as inspiration for other organisations involved in the battle, perhaps we can create a wave of hope for millions of people around the world who are suffering due to this pandemic.”

 

 

Andres Iniesta signs ‘lifetime contract’ with Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder, Andres Iniesta has signed a ‘lifetime contract’ with Barcelona, keeping him at the club for the rest of his career. The Spaniard has also put an end to speculation regarding his future at the club.
Meanwhile, on this day in 1996,  the 33 year-old World Cup winner played his first Barcelona game for their U14B side. He has made 600 senior appearances to his name since.

"I've conquered everything but i need challenges" Read Neymar's farewell message to Barcelona.


Neymar’s move to French side, Paris Saint Germain is done and dusted and the world has moved on.
The 25 year-old Brazilian forward who has now become the world’s most expensive player after completing a 222 million euro move to Paris Saint-Germain has posted a farewell video message to Barcelona on his social media pages.  His message below:
“A Sportsman’s life is moving for challenges. Some are taxes, others are the fruit of our decisions to maintain the light that illuminates our career, which is intense but short.
Barcelona has been more than a challenge, it has been my dream as a child. He played with those cracks in the video game. I arrived at catalunya at age 21, full of challenges. I remember my first days at the club, sharing the costumes with idols like Messi, valdés, Xavi, Iniesta, puyol, and others with the expectation of playing in a club that is “more than a club”. the FC Barcelona It’s a nation representing Catalonia!
“I had the honor to act with the greatest athlete I’ve ever seen in my life and I’m sure I won’t see another better, Leo Messi became my partner, friend inside and out of play. Proud to play with you. I love you!
“I formed an attack with Messi and Luis Suarez that has been left for the story. I’ve conquered everything a sportsman can conquer. I’ve lived unforgettable moments! I live in a city that’s more than a city, it’s a country. I love Barcelona and catalonia.
“But a sportsman (me) needs challenges.
“And for the second time in my life, I’m going to be opposing my dad.
Dad, I understand and respect your opinion, but my decision is made, I ask you to support me as you always have.
“Barcelona and catalonia will always be in my heart but I need new challenges.
“I have accepted the PSG-Paris Saint-Germain proposal to search for new conquests and help the club achieve the titles that the hobby awaits. I have been presented with a bold career plan and I look ready for this challenge.
“I appreciate the love of the wonderful hobby blaugrana and everything I’ve learned with the athletes I’ve shared costumes with.
“I also feel in my heart that the time has come to leave. The PSG will be my new home for the next few years and I will work to honor the trust they deposit in my football. I count a lot with everyone’s support. Amateurs who have been with me since 2009, of my friends, of the professionals who accompany me and my family, who have suffered a lot from problems that have occurred in this period of my career and which today deserve peace.
“It’s a difficult decision, but taken with the maturity of my 25 years.
FC Barcelona, thanks for everything!
PSG, I’m coming!
May God bless us and protect us!”
https://twitter.com/INFOSMESSl/status/893209368816168961

Barca's stunning comeback tears the internet into shreds.

Barcelona did the impossible and proved the world wrong tonight. It was no mean feat.
The Spanish giants made history tonight after their emphatic victory over Paris Saint Germain (PSG) at the Round of 16 return leg 2 of their Champions League clash. The Catalans overturned a 4-0 deficit to send PSG out of the competition with three goals in the final seven minutes. The biggest comeback in football history.

A late goal by Sergi Roberto at the 95th minute produced an incredible feat for the Blaugranas and chiefly secured a 6-5 aggregate win over their rivals.

Enrique’s men have now made it to the Champions League quarter-finals. They become the first side in Champions League and European Cup history to overturn a first-leg 4-goal deficit.

Luis Enrique to quit as Barcelona manager next season

After a 3-year spell at the club, Luis Enrique has announced he will not continue as manager of Barcelona FC next season. The Spaniard made the announcement in a press conference shortly after his side beat Sporting de Gijon 6-1 :
“I won’t be Barcelona coach next season. I need to rest. The way I do this job is why I have to leave. There are very few hours to rest. I would like to thank the Club. They have been three unforgettable years.” He said
Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu said, “We accept the decision of  Luis Enrique. He has been a great coach. He has given us successes, but still can bring us more. The players are motivated to do it. We will try to announce Luis Enrique‘s successor on July 1 and focus on the trophies at hand for now.”
The former player joined the Blaugrana in the summer of 2014, following the exit of Gerardo Martino and has won 8 trophies at the club. He is the second manager in European history (after Guus Hiddink) to win a Treble and follow it with a Double.

Ronaldinho is back at Barca!

Spanish giant, FC Barcelona have confirmed the return of Ronaldinho to the club. The football legend  who spent five seasons at the club and played 207 times for the Catalans between 2003 and 2008, scoring 94 goals and winning the 2005-6 Champions League as well as back-to-back Liga titles has agreed to be a Club ambassador & representative at various events & activities.
A club statement read: “FC Barcelona and Ronaldinho have reached an agreement whereby the Brazilian will become a Club ambassador and representative at various events and activities over the coming years.
“Ronaldinho will also form part of the Legends project, a team of former players who, through matches around the world, will help to globalise the Barça brand and its values, and will take part in clinics, training sessions and institutional events, among other activities organised by the Club.


“Through FCBEscola, FC Barcelona and Ronaldinho’s football academies will be seeking different ways to collaborate both in terms of the brand and possible associations with the same. The player will also appear in the opening and closing ceremonies at some schools and take part in activities in which he will share his experience in educational talks.
“Ronaldinho will also take part in FC Barcelona Foundation events related to UNICEF. The Masia 360 project will be another one of the Club projects where the Brazilian will be present, helping with the training and coaching of the athletes involved.
“The agreement will be signed on Friday at 5.30pm CET at the Camp Nou directors’ box with the presence of Ronaldinho and president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Then, the media will be to take photos of the Brazilian star at the club museum.”
Reacting to the news, Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique said, “I think it is great that Ronaldinho is a Club ambassador. Linking Barça to joy is always a good thing”

Manchester United tops richest clubs in the world list.

Manchester United have been named world’s richest club according to the money list compiled by Deloitte Football Money League. The English club displaced Real Madrid, who had topped the list for 11 consecutive seasons. Manchester United has also become the first football team to earn more than £500 million in a season.
Their total revenue has been put at £515, almost £50 million more than Barcelona and Real Madrid, thanks to their whooping kit deal and sponsorship with Adidas and Chevrolet as well as the Premier League TV earnings.
Top 10 richest teams in 2016. 
1. Manchester United
2. Barcelona
3. Real Madrid
4. Bayern Munich
5. Manchester City
6. PSG
7. Arsenal
8. Chelsea
9. Liverpool
10. Juventus
 

Alexis Sanchez admits to tax fraud

Arsenal striker, Alexis Sanchez has admitted to evading payment of tax of almost €1m from his image rights via a company based in Malta between 2012 and 2013, during his spell at Barcelona. He declared in a court in the Catalan city on Monday via a video link, and confessed to two counts of tax fraud and defrauding the Treasury to a total value of 983,443 euros.
The Chilean international has reportedly returned the money and he is not likely to face a trial. His defence team and the Treasury will however come to an agreement regarding how much he will be fined for the delay in paying the taxes and possibly on the length of a prison sentence, which would be short and therefore suspended.
 

Barcelona announce one of the biggest shirt sponsorship deals in football history

 
Barcelona have announced Rakuten; a Japanese online retailer as their next shirt sponsor the next four years. The new deal which is valued at £200m  ($59 million) a year is arguably one of the biggest shirt sponsorship deals in football history. Rakuten will replace Qatar Airways, who have been their main sponsor since 2013.
Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu told a news conference at the club’s Camp Nou stadium “I have the pleasure and honour to announce that the board of directors has approved that RAKUTEN be the new main and global sponsor of the club for the next four years.” .

Messi loses cool, storms Man City dressing room

A little drama happened after Barcelona lost 3-1 to Manchester City yesterday.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Lionel Messi who scored the only goal for the Blaugranas was said to have lost his cool after an unnamed Manchester City player called him names while they were walking down the tunnel at full time.

Visibly angry, the Argentine  fired back  “Fool, come here and show your face!”. MD learnt his friend, Sergio Aguero had to calm him down when things were getting out of hand. Still not satisfied, he reportedly stormed the Man City dressing room with  Carles Naval, to try and find the person who worked him up.

Meanwhile the 29 year-old has scored 16 goals in his last 14 CL games against English opposition. 

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