Barcelona sign up to European super league proposal, claims outgoing president Josep Maria Bartomeu

Josep Maria Bartomeu delivered a shocking announcement during his resignation speech as Barcelona president, claiming that the club had “accepted a proposal to participate in a future European super league”.

Bartomeu and his board of directors finally stepped down on Tuesday ahead of a vote of no confidence next month after a bitter civil war that had engulfed the club for several months.

His reign had ended in complete turmoil, with a financial crisis and 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich followed by a stunning dispute with captain Lionel Messi, as well as senior players Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez.

But during his resignation speech, Bartomeu’s confirmation of the club’s decision to sign up to a long-mooted super league provoked more controversy.

“I can announce some extraordinary news,” Bartomeu said. "Yesterday we accepted a proposal to participate in a future European super league, which would guarantee the future financial sustainability of the club. And we have accepted the future Club World Cup format."