Barcelona president resigns

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has resigned under increasing pressure, but said he had accepted proposals for the club to join a European Super League.

Josep Maria Bartomeu gone

Fans had been trying to remove Bartomeu, who became president in 2014 and had fallen out with Lionel Messi.

He stood down on Tuesday, along with the entire board of directors.

In a leaving speech Bartomeu said Barca had begun proceedings to join a Super League to help its financial future.

Last week, BBC Sport reported talks had taken place over the creation of a new £4.6bn European Premier League involving the top sides from across the continent, although discussions are at an early stage.

La Liga president Javier Tebas responded to Bartomeu’s claims by saying it “confirms his ignorance about the football industry”.

Tebas called it a “weak and imaginary competition which would be their ruin”.

Bartomeu was due to step down in March, having served the maximum two terms as president, but was facing a vote of no confidence.

More than 20,000 club members signed a motion to remove him.- bbc.com