FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is not popular among fans right now, but a shocking claim has been made that he could, under dramatic circumstances, end up in prison if Lionel Messi leaves the club.
There could be a lot of consequences for the Catalan club chief if the 33-year-old does get his wish to leave in this transfer window, although there is one repercussion he will certainly not want to face.
Prior to Messi's official request to quit the club, Bartomeu kept insisting the six-time Ballon d'Or winner would not be going anywhere, but it appears there could be more at stake for him.
Spanish football expert and journalist Guillem Balague has claimed that the next Barcelona president could accuse Bartomeu of mishandling club assets, which could either force him to pay compensation from his own pocket, or even face time in jail.
Other reasons: Barto doesnt want to reinforce rival. Finally if he badly sells Messi next president or season ticket holder could accuse him of mishandling assets.That could mean a huge payment from his own pocket or even prison!So he needs to fight Messi’s departure till the end
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 31, 2020
While matters, as dire as they are or turn out to be, might not reach these extremes, Bartomeu would not be the first Blaugrana president to spend time behind bars.
The man he replaced, Sandro Rosell, spent 20 months in jail for reportedly laundering fees for broadcasting rights and sponsorship rights.
The contractual dispute between Messi and the current president is still ongoing, with the Bartomeu insisting he cannot leave without his €700 million (R13 billion) release clause being activated, while the player is believed to feel that his release clause and contract has already expired.
Messi did not show up for training on Monday as he reportedly prepares to force a move to Manchester City.
