Lionel Messi [Courtesy]Spanish La Liga champions Barcelona were in turmoil on Friday after six directors quit in the latest unravelling of the club's hierarchy that fans and players are increasingly angry at. The departing directors criticised the club's handling of a social media scandal and expressed doubts about the board's ability to handle the implications of the pandemic, which has led to a 70% players' pay cut. They were joined by directors Silvio Elias, Josep Pont, Jordi Calsamiglia and Maria Texidor. Bartomeu has denied accusations the company created social media accounts to smear future presidential candidates and former and current players, but he anyway rescinded the club's contract with the firm. Barcelona players, including all-time top scorer Messi, have taken an additional pay cut to guarantee non-playing staff will receive full salaries while soccer is paused.

Source: Standard Digital April 10, 2020 11:15 UTC