(CNN) -- Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has quit in the wake of a Spanish judge's decision to investigate the deal that brought Brazilian superstar Neymar to the club.
Rosell announced at a
press conference Thursday he was tendering his "irrevocable resignation"
after three-and-a-half years in charge of the current Spanish
champions.
On Wednesday a judge
agreed to hear a case centered on the $78 million transfer of Neymar
from Santos in June after a complaint from one of Barcelona's own
members.
Rosell vigorously
asserted his innocence in front a packed media conference and described
the allegations as "unfair and reckless."
He will be replaced by
vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu who said the current board would
continue until the end of their mandate in 2016.
"In recent days an unfair
and reckless accusation of misappropriation has resulted in a lawsuit
against me in the National Court," he told reporters -- a statement that
was later reproduced on Barcelona's official website.
"From the beginning I
have said that the signing of Neymar Junior has been correct and his
signing has caused despair and envy in some of our adversaries."
"The Board of Directors
is a team. And this team leads a project that has brought the Club great
success. I don't want unfair attacks to negatively affect their
management or the image of the club.
"This is why I think my time here has come to an end.
"Now, in accordance with
the Club's Statutes, I have presented my irrevocable resignation of the
presidency of FC Barcelona to the Board of Directors.
"From this moment, the
first vice-president of the club, Josep Maria Bartomeu, will immediately
assume the presidency of the club until the end of the term, through
2016, just as the Board unanimously agreed a few moments ago."
Rosell took over as
president in 2010 after succeeding Joan Laporta. During his time in
charge the club won the La Liga title twice and also secured the 2011
European Champions League crown.
He attracted criticism
in some quarters for a huge sponsorship deal with the Qatar Foundation
that saw the club bear a sponsor's name on their shirts for the first
time.
After they signed Neymar
from Santos, the club announced the deal was worth $78 million, but the
breakdown of the agreement was never revealed.
From the beginning I have said the signing of Neymar has been
correct and his signing has caused despair and envy in some of our
adversaries
Sandro Rosell, former Barcelona president
Sandro Rosell, former Barcelona president
A Barcelona member
launched a case against Rosell for not disclosing the full details and
the club was asked by Spanish authorities to hand over documentation, as
well as accounts for the past three years.
On Wednesday judge Pablo Ruz decided an investigation should go ahead, leading to Thursday's dramatic press conference.
Rosell touched on the success Barca had enjoyed during his reign but said it had brought "very difficult moments."
"For some time my family
and myself have suffered threats and attacks in silence," he said.
"These threats and attacks have made me wonder if being president means
having to jeopardize my family.
"In all of these years
we have seen that our successes are the result of our victories on the
pitch and overcoming innumerable obstacles off the pitch: political,
external and, what's worse, at times the pressure has come from our own
environment.
"It has been an honor to
serve the Barcelonistas. It's been a privilege to be the president of
FC Barcelona. I wish the best to the new president and I ask the club
members to support him." posted by Emanto Ngaloru Jan 24, 2014.
Ok now, its better for you.
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