Barcelona president Bartomeu: I have NOT resigned; an election date?

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has denied he’s stepped down after Lionel Messi‘s transfer request.

Amid Barca’s confirmation that Messi had asked to be released from his contract reports had emerged of Bartomeu resigning.

However, speaking with Sport last night, Bartomeu denied he had quit and instead doubled down on holding the presidential elections in 2021.

Suggestions in the Argentine media had claimed Messi’s transfer demand was largely a ploy to force Bartomeu into resigning.

News that Messi’s had made the demand led to protests outside the Nou Camp yesterday from fans.