Barcelona VP of finance resigns amid ongoing economic turmoil

Barcelona‘s vice president of finance Eduard Romeu has resigned from his position mid-season, citing professional reasons for his decision.

Romeu becomes the latest in a string of resignations from directors and executives since president Joan Laporta was elected three years ago.

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His departure also comes against the backdrop of continued economic problems at the Catalan club and with just three months remaining until the closing of the financial year.

Barça’s monetary situation has improved under Romeu but, despite cutbacks and revenue increases, they remain around €200 million ($218.8m) in excess of their LaLiga-imposed annual spending limit of €204m.

They are also fighting to meet their budgeted income for the 2023-24 campaign, which was fixed at €859 million and must be achieved by June 30.

The club, therefore, could be forced to listen to offers for important players this summer, with ESPN revealing on Wednesday defender Ronald Araújo is one squad member who is drawing interest.

Romeu, who said that his resignation was due to an “incompatibility” with new professional commitments, has played a key role in Laporta’s presidency.

He helped secure the necessary guarantors for Laporta to take on the role and was heavily involved in the sale of club assets in the summer of 2022 which funded the signings of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Koundé and Raphinha.

“He has been a key person in bailing the club out financially,” said Laporta. “There is still work to be done, but we are sure that, if we need him, we will have his advice and support.”

Despite Laporta lauding Barça’s recovery from the financial position his board inherited, the club have encountered problems this season with the so far unsuccessful sale of 10% of Barça Studios.

The German investment fund Libero agreed to pay €40m for the stake, but they have not yet complied with the agreement despite the fact the payment deadline was extended until last December.

That left Barça struggling to make their budget for the current year, although qualification for the Champions League quarterfinals this week, which brings €10.6m in prize money plus revenue from another big home game, has helped.

“If we had not won on Tuesday [against Napoli], nothing would have happened because I don’t like to leave things half done,” said Romeu in reference to the club’s budget including reaching the last eight.

Laporta said Romeu’s functions will be taken on in the short-term by those already working in the economic department at the club as the continued upheaval behind the scenes since his election in March 2021 continues.

Romeu’s predecessor, Jaume Giró, resigned just days after the election and since then more than 15 directors or executives have stepped down, including CEO Ferran Reverter.

Elsewhere, changes have also been constant around the football setup, with Mateu Alemany, Jordi Cruyff, Ramon Planes, Markel Zubizarreta and Franc Carbo among those who have departed for various reasons.