Barcelona have agreed to join a proposed European Super League, according to former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Just 24 hours after the 57-year-old had claimed that he was not prepared to stand down from his post, Bartomeu announced on Tuesday that he was indeed resigning as Barcelona president following a turbulent few months behind the scenes at Camp Nou.
However, the Spaniard sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world as he left with the news that Barca have accepted an offer to join a league involving Europe's biggest clubs.
Speaking at his resignation speech, Bartomeu said: "I can announce some extraordinary news. Yesterday we accepted a proposal to participate in a future European Super League, which would guarantee the future financial sustainability of the club. And we have accepted the future Club World Cup format."
On the other hand, the announcement did not sit well with La Liga chief Javier Tebas, who tweeted: "Unfortunately Bartomeu is announcing on his last day the participation in a phantom competition, which would ruin Barcelona and confirms their ignorance in the soccer industry.
"A sad end of a president who had successes but lately errors."
Barca have been marred by off-the-field issues over the summer months, with Lionel Messi requesting to leave and the club embroiled in a dispute with players and staff over pay cuts in the lead-up to Bartomeu's departure.
Ben Knapton
