Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu denies hiring social media company to attack players

The recent controversy surrounding Barcelona hiring a social media company to discredit its own players had the fans demanding the resignation of President Josep Bartomeu. Speaking for the first time since being accused, Josep Bartomeu denied hiring a social media company to attack its players. 

Also Read | Lionel Messi, Power Politics Threaten To Plunge Barcelona's Season Into Crisis

Josep Bartomeu denies attacking Barcelona players

Josep Bartomeu was present at the XIV Vazquez Montalban International Journalism Awards, where he admitted that I3 Ventures had been hired by the club to improve the image of Barcelona on social media. However, Bartomeu insisted that the club was oblivious to their connections to Respeto y Deporte, the account that was accused of attacking the Barcelona players. Bartomeu further noted that Barcelona has since terminated its contract with I3 Ventures. 

Speaking at the event, Bartomeu said, "It has been confirmed that an account of the ones related to this issue, is run by I3 ventures, and we are planning to terminate our contract with them. Yes, we have and we will continue to do this type of monitoring on social media because we consider it obligatory. But we have not commissioned to discredit people or entities and we will persecute all those who accuse us."

Also Read | Barca Hit By Lionel Messi's Goal Drought As They Remain In Race To Clinch La Liga Title

Barcelona players attacked? Josep Bartomeu denies accusations

A Spanish media outlet broke the news and stated that a social media company was contracted by Barcelona to boost the public profile of the board of directors at the club. However, the outlet also reported that the company was tasked with discrediting several individuals with strong links to the club, including the likes of Lionel Messi and Pique. 

Also Read | Lionel Messi Wants Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu Out Amid Eric Abidal Controversy

Josep Bartomeu also spoke to Lionel Messi and others to clarify accusations

Also Read | Lionel Messi Is Impossible To Replace, Says Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu