Barcelona denies paying social media accounts to attack Messi, others

Barcelona have denied that club president Josep Maria Bartomeu paid a social media company to criticise club heros such as Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER have alleged that Bartomeu hired ‘l3 Ventures’ to help improve his image and protect the reputation of his board.

Bartomeu has been at the club’s helm for the past six years, but will not be seeking re-election at the end of his current term.

Victor Font, the only man to have stepped forward to succeed the 57-year-old ahead of next year’s vote, was also among those reported to be targeted by the abusive posts.

Barcelona have released an official statement on Monday addressing the report, which reads: “With regards to information published today about the contracting of a company dedicated to creating opinion on social media with a view to damaging the image of third parties related directly or indirectly with the club, FC Barcelona roundly deny any relationship, and furthermore, the contracting of services linked to social media accounts that have broadcast negative or disparaging messages related to any person, entity or organisation that may be, or have been, related to the club.

“I3 Ventures, a service provider to the club, has no relationship with the accounts mentioned and, if any relationship was to come to light, the club would immediately end their contractual agreement and bring about any necessary legal action to defend their interests.

“As such, FC Barcelona confirms that it has services contracted relating to the monitoring of social media with the aim of analysing both positive and negative messages about the organisation itself.

“With the contracting of these services, the club is attempting to look after and preserve its reputation as well those of people related to the club (sponsors, players, board members, members, supporters’ club members), as far as the protection of this reputation is a fundamental element and responsibility for those who work for the organisation.

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“The club demands an immediate rectification of the information published and reserves the right to exercise legal action against those who continue to implicate the club in such practices.”