• PSG's Lionel Messi waves during players presentations before the French League One match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
    PSG's Lionel Messi waves during players presentations before the French League One match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
  • Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi enters the pitch during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
    Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi enters the pitch during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
  • PSG's Lionel Messi runs during players presentations before the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
    PSG's Lionel Messi runs during players presentations before the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
  • Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain acknowledges the fans as he is introduced to the fans prior to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at Parc des Princes in Paris, France.
    Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain acknowledges the fans as he is introduced to the fans prior to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at Parc des Princes in Paris, France.
  • Paris Saint-Germain's new recruits Lionel Messi (R), Gianluigi Donnarumma (C), Achraf Hakimi (L), Sergio Ramos (2R), Georginio Wijnaldum (2L) greet their fans during their presentation at the half-time of the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France.
    Paris Saint-Germain's new recruits Lionel Messi (R), Gianluigi Donnarumma (C), Achraf Hakimi (L), Sergio Ramos (2R), Georginio Wijnaldum (2L) greet their fans during their presentation at the half-time of the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France.
  • PSG's Lionel Messi during players presentation before the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
    PSG's Lionel Messi during players presentation before the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
  • Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi waves hands to the supporters during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
    Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi waves hands to the supporters during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
  • Paris Saint-Germain's new recruits Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos greet their fans during their presentation at the half-time of the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France.
    Paris Saint-Germain's new recruits Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos greet their fans during their presentation at the half-time of the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France.
  • (From L) Paris Saint-Germain's Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain's Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, Paris Saint-Germain's Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Paris Saint-Germain's Spanish defender Sergio Ramos and Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi pose during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
    (From L) Paris Saint-Germain's Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain's Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, Paris Saint-Germain's Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Paris Saint-Germain's Spanish defender Sergio Ramos and Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi pose during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.

Sport

Football

'Very worrying': Barcelona president Joan Laporta paints bleak picture of club's finances

Laporta says Spanish giants are €1.35 billion in debt and accuses previous regime of countless 'lies'

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings

August 17, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Barcelona president Joan Laporta blamed predecessor Josep Bartomeu for the club's financial woes, revealing the Spanish giants are €1.35 billion in debt.

Laporta gave a bleak assessment of the club's financial plight, describing it as "very worrying" and revealing that club salaries representing 103% of income at Camp Nou.

Laporta revealed that Lionel Messi’s new contract would have taken the wage bill to account for 110% of the club’s annual revenue – a figure La Liga did not accept – despite Messi agreeing to a 50% wage cut.

The impasse led to an emotional Messi holding a tearful press conference confirming he would end his 21-year stay at the club. He joined French club Paris Saint-Germain on an initial two-year contract last week.

Laporta returned for a second stint as Barca president after easily winning elections in March but says he was left a “terrible inheritance” by Bartomeu, revealing the club now has a negative net worth of €451 million.

He accused Bartomeu’s regime of countless “lies”, insisting that he and his board of directors must be held accountable.

Laporta said at a Monday press conference: “Our salaries represent 103 per cent of the club’s total income. That’s 20-25% more than our competitors.

  • Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi poses alongside Argentina star player Lionel Messi.
    Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi poses alongside Argentina star player Lionel Messi.
  • Lionel Messi gestures to fans outside the PSG stadium.
    Lionel Messi gestures to fans outside the PSG stadium.
  • Lionel Messi poses with a PSG shirt sporting his name and number at the Parc des Princes.
    Lionel Messi poses with a PSG shirt sporting his name and number at the Parc des Princes.
  • Lionel Messi poses with his jersey with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo.
    Lionel Messi poses with his jersey with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo.
  • PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and new signing Lionel Messi during the press conference at Parc des Princes.
    PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and new signing Lionel Messi during the press conference at Parc des Princes.
  • Lionel Messi during the press conference.
    Lionel Messi during the press conference.
  • Lionel Messi at his PSG unveiling.
    Lionel Messi at his PSG unveiling.
  • Lionel Messi addresses the media.
    Lionel Messi addresses the media.
  • A supporter wears a jersey bearing Lionel Messi's PSG shirt and number.
    A supporter wears a jersey bearing Lionel Messi's PSG shirt and number.
  • PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
    PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
  • PSG "Ultras" supporters hold a banner outside the Parc des Princes stadium to welcome Lionel Messi,
    PSG "Ultras" supporters hold a banner outside the Parc des Princes stadium to welcome Lionel Messi,
  • Lionel Messi arrives for his press conference to unveil him as a PSG player.
    Lionel Messi arrives for his press conference to unveil him as a PSG player.
  • PSG fans gather for the official presentation of Argentina striker Lionel Messi at the Parc des Princes.
    PSG fans gather for the official presentation of Argentina striker Lionel Messi at the Parc des Princes.
  • Lionel Messi arrives wearing a mask.
    Lionel Messi arrives wearing a mask.
  • Lionel Messi has joined PSG on a two-year contract.
    Lionel Messi has joined PSG on a two-year contract.
  • Supporters cheer as Argentina football player Lionel Messi attends his unveiling press conference at the French football club Paris Saint-Germain's Parc des Princes stadium.
    Supporters cheer as Argentina football player Lionel Messi attends his unveiling press conference at the French football club Paris Saint-Germain's Parc des Princes stadium.
  • Supporters cheer as Lionel Messi attends his unveiling press conference.
    Supporters cheer as Lionel Messi attends his unveiling press conference.
  • Paris Saint-Germain supporters gather outside the Parc des Princes stadium.
    Paris Saint-Germain supporters gather outside the Parc des Princes stadium.
  • Paris Saint-Germain supporters gather outside the Parc des Princes before Lionel Messi's press conference.
    Paris Saint-Germain supporters gather outside the Parc des Princes before Lionel Messi's press conference.
  • PSG fans outside the stadium.
    PSG fans outside the stadium.
  • Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi salutes supporters gathered outside the Parc des Princes.
    Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi salutes supporters gathered outside the Parc des Princes.
  • PSG "Ultras" supporters hold a banner outside the Parc des Princes stadium to welcome Lionel Messi,
    PSG "Ultras" supporters hold a banner outside the Parc des Princes stadium to welcome Lionel Messi,
  • Lionel Messi walks out on to the pitch after the press conference.
    Lionel Messi walks out on to the pitch after the press conference.
  • Lionel Messi and president of PSG Nasser Al-Khelaifi pose with children on the pitch after the press conference.
    Lionel Messi and president of PSG Nasser Al-Khelaifi pose with children on the pitch after the press conference.
  • Paris St Germain's Lionel Messi and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi with fans outside the stadium after the press conference.
    Paris St Germain's Lionel Messi and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi with fans outside the stadium after the press conference.

“The first thing we had to do when we arrived was to ask for a loan of €80 million because otherwise, we could not pay the salaries. The previous regime was full of lies.

“We also found that we had to do some urgent repairs to the Camp Nou because otherwise, it posed a risk to the attending fans. We also found out that the club had already received 50% of the TV rights fees in advance.

“We found the wage policy in the form of what experts call an inverted pyramid – veterans on long contracts and youngsters on short deal. There were no wages cuts – lies.

“We have found that disproportionate payments have been made to intermediaries, not even agents.

“Barcelona has a negative net worth of €451 million – it is a terrible inheritance. What has been happening is very worrying."


Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu. AFP
Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu. AFP

He concluded by saying Bartomeu and his board are responsible for everything wrong at the club until March 7 and that they "will not escape their doing.”

The Catalans have lurched from crisis to crisis since a humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich in August 2020, culminating in them having to let the club's greatest ever player to leave for nothing. With the transfer window open until August 31, Barca are believed to be open to offers on several first-team players including Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona signed Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia on free transfers this summer but only just registered them in time for their opening-day victory over Real Sociedad after captain Gerard Pique agreed to a drastic cut in wages.

Laporta hopes other senior players will soon follow suit.

“I thank Pique for his willingness to help the club. His reduction has helped us to register players. We can register Kun [Aguero] with the agreement we plan to have with the other players. I hope the other captains act like Pique,” said Laporta.

  • BARCELONA RATINGS: Neto - 6: Stand in goalkeeper, the experienced Brazilian had little to do before a 65th minute stop from Merino. Plenty of time to sample the surprisingly loud atmosphere from a restricted 20,384 crowd, then it all came alive as the Basques hit two in three minutes in a nervy finish.
    BARCELONA RATINGS: Neto - 6: Stand in goalkeeper, the experienced Brazilian had little to do before a 65th minute stop from Merino. Plenty of time to sample the surprisingly loud atmosphere from a restricted 20,384 crowd, then it all came alive as the Basques hit two in three minutes in a nervy finish.
  • Sergino Dest - 7: Kept his place ahead of the returned Emerson. Untroubled and less attacking than normal. Won his tackles. Came off after 70 minutes to an ovation.
    Sergino Dest - 7: Kept his place ahead of the returned Emerson. Untroubled and less attacking than normal. Won his tackles. Came off after 70 minutes to an ovation.
  • Gerard Pique - 8: Headed the opening goal of the season after 19 minutes, kissed the badge, soaked up the applause as fans sang his name all night. His manager called him the leader of the team – and said he was last season too.
    Gerard Pique - 8: Headed the opening goal of the season after 19 minutes, kissed the badge, soaked up the applause as fans sang his name all night. His manager called him the leader of the team – and said he was last season too.
  • Eric Garcia - 7: Debut for the former academy graduate who returned home via Manchester City. Comfortable. Came off after his side conceded the first on 82. Both Barca’s central defenders are Catalans who made their professional debuts in Manchester.
    Eric Garcia - 7: Debut for the former academy graduate who returned home via Manchester City. Comfortable. Came off after his side conceded the first on 82. Both Barca’s central defenders are Catalans who made their professional debuts in Manchester.
  • Jordi Alba - 8: Lovely cross for Griezmann to volley at goal in one of the moments of the first half. Clean through – yes, really - after 49 minutes but swept the ball wide. Set up the third after 58, working well with Depay.
    Jordi Alba - 8: Lovely cross for Griezmann to volley at goal in one of the moments of the first half. Clean through – yes, really - after 49 minutes but swept the ball wide. Set up the third after 58, working well with Depay.
  • Sergio Busquets - 7: Captain in a side with a well-defined 4-3-3 – it wasn’t always last season. Booked pulling back an attacker who would probably have got away from the 33-year-old.
    Sergio Busquets - 7: Captain in a side with a well-defined 4-3-3 – it wasn’t always last season. Booked pulling back an attacker who would probably have got away from the 33-year-old.
  • Antoine Griezmann - 8: Headed against the crossbar in a lively start. It was his 100th Barca game. The hope is that he starts to shine now he’s not in Messi’s shadow. Put ball in the net after 46 but de Jong was offside. Involved in the fourth.
    Antoine Griezmann - 8: Headed against the crossbar in a lively start. It was his 100th Barca game. The hope is that he starts to shine now he’s not in Messi’s shadow. Put ball in the net after 46 but de Jong was offside. Involved in the fourth.
  • Pedri - 7: The Olympic silver medallist never stopped playing, never stopped running. Covered more ground than any other on the pitch. Blasted a shot over after 73.
    Pedri - 7: The Olympic silver medallist never stopped playing, never stopped running. Covered more ground than any other on the pitch. Blasted a shot over after 73.
  • Memphis Depay - 9: Full of tricks and energy in a lively start. Curled the free-kick beautifully towards the head of Pique which gave Barca the lead. He was only allowed to be registered as a Barca player because of a pay cut by Pique. Over-elaborate at other times, but fun to see him try and lob the goalkeeper…from 40 yards. Super debut.
    Memphis Depay - 9: Full of tricks and energy in a lively start. Curled the free-kick beautifully towards the head of Pique which gave Barca the lead. He was only allowed to be registered as a Barca player because of a pay cut by Pique. Over-elaborate at other times, but fun to see him try and lob the goalkeeper…from 40 yards. Super debut.
  • Martin Braithwaite - 9: Linked with a move away but helped his case no end. Active in attack, but also defence. Looked very confident Usually out wide, allowing Griezmann more space. Came central to score the second just before half time. Then he smashed the third in after 58 and set up the fourth with a powerful run and cross.
    Martin Braithwaite - 9: Linked with a move away but helped his case no end. Active in attack, but also defence. Looked very confident Usually out wide, allowing Griezmann more space. Came central to score the second just before half time. Then he smashed the third in after 58 and set up the fourth with a powerful run and cross.
  • Frenkie de Jong - 7: Nicked the ball and crossed for the second. The Dutchman has become one of Barca’s most important players. Another confident in attack,
    Frenkie de Jong - 7: Nicked the ball and crossed for the second. The Dutchman has become one of Barca’s most important players. Another confident in attack,
  • SUBS: Sergi Roberto - 7: On for De Jong on 70. Minutes for a versatile and effective product of Barca’s youth system. There are not enough in the current set up. Right place at the right time to finish the fourth from close range and make it 4-2.
    SUBS: Sergi Roberto - 7: On for De Jong on 70. Minutes for a versatile and effective product of Barca’s youth system. There are not enough in the current set up. Right place at the right time to finish the fourth from close range and make it 4-2.
  • Emerson - 6: On for Dest after 70. Back from a season at Betis. It didn’t go well. Caught short as he tried to cut out a pass which led to the La Real goal.
    Emerson - 6: On for Dest after 70. Back from a season at Betis. It didn’t go well. Caught short as he tried to cut out a pass which led to the La Real goal.
  • Ronald Araujo - NA: On for Eric Garcia after 83.
    Ronald Araujo - NA: On for Eric Garcia after 83.
  • Nico Gonzalez - NA: The 19-year-old came on for Busquets after 83. Booked after a minute for a late challenge.
    Nico Gonzalez - NA: The 19-year-old came on for Busquets after 83. Booked after a minute for a late challenge.
  • Clement Lenglet - NA: On for Depay in time added on as Ronald Koeman tried to run the clock down with his side faltering.
    Clement Lenglet - NA: On for Depay in time added on as Ronald Koeman tried to run the clock down with his side faltering.

Despite such a wealth of problems, Laporta believes Barcelona can repair the situation and has revealed that it has taken out a loan of €550 million euros with an interest rate of 1.1 per cent to restructure the club.

“The situation is dramatic, but we have good news,” said Laporta. “The strategic plan based on our credibility and experience, on the assets that Barca have, makes this situation temporary. I think that in a couple of years, the club’s economy will be healthy.

“We are not scared at all. We are highly motivated and positive and morale is high. It’s a big challenge but we are capable of overcoming it.

“I’d like to call on all Barca fans and the entire club to be united. With football and unity, I’m convinced this era will be full of success.”

Updated: August 17, 2021, 10:24 AM