Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has reportedly decided to resign amid suggestions that Lionel Messi has told the club he wants to leave.
Sensational reports earlier on Wednesday claimed that Messi has told Barca he wants out this summer.
Messi reportedly believes that a clause which would allow him to leave for free still stands this month, though that is being challenged by the La Liga giants.
Barca struggled at times this season, falling behind Real Madrid domestically and humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League though have appointed Ronald Koeman in an attempt to change fortunes.
And TYC Sports, who broke the news that Messi had told Barca of his decision, now claim that Bartomeu has decided to resign.
It comes amid reports from Spain that a number of board members have also tended their resignation as the club look to persuade Messi to stay.
It’s believed that an emergency meeting has been held by Barcelona chiefs following Messi’s message.
Bartomeu had insisted that Messi wanted to stay following the defeat to Bayern but now it seems the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has made a decision.
“He wants to end his playing career at Barcelona,” Bartomeu had said about Messi in an interview with Barca TV.
“Koeman is saying that the pillar of his project is Leo Messi.
“He has a contract until 2021. I talk to him regularly and he knows there’s a project with a new coach here. We’re all disappointed at the moment, but we’re motivated by the new project.
“His father told me that there was a strong disappointment. This is correct, but since Sunday we have to think about the future. It’s about changing the mentality.”