barcelona

Brazilian footballer Neymar faces fraud trial in Barcelona

In a legal saga that has dragged on for years, the Brazilian international who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain is accused of fraud and corruption.

The trial is due to take place for two weeks from 17 October, a month before the World Cup in Qatar.

Several other figures are also due to stand trial.

Two former presidents of Barcelona football club, Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, as well as Neymar's parents face the same allegations, according to Spanish reports.

Argentine 'would love' to return to Barcelona as a sporting director

Messi, 34, made an emotional exit from the Nou Camp in August after more than 20 years, joining Paris St-Germain.

While he is not thinking about retirement yet, he "would love to be a sporting director at some point".

He added: "I don't know if it will be in Barcelona or if it will be something else. If there's the chance, I would like to go back and contribute."

In an interview with Spanish newspaper Sport, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner said: "I always said that I would love to be able to help the club.

Barca not about to let Pedri go

The 18-year-old midfielder's new deal will run until 30 June 2026.

Pedri joined Barcelona from Las Palmas in August 2020 and played 53 times for them last season - the most of any player at the club.

He was also part of the Spain squad that reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals.

Spain boss Luis Enrique started him for each of his side's games at the tournament as he impressed on the international stage.

Pedri's exploits resulted in him being included in Uefa's team of the tournament.

Messi's wages too much for Barcelona

Both the club, which has suffered steep losses recently, and 34-year-old Messi had wanted to sign a new contract. But the Argentine's deal would have taken salaries to 110 percent of the club's earnings, a financially risky move given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Laporta said.

"The club is above everything - even above the best player in the world,

"We reached agreement but couldn't formalise it, because of the club's economic situation, which means we can't register the player due to salary limits," he said.

UEFA starts investigation into Super League

The clubs are the only three of the original 12 to have not distanced themselves from the project following an outpouring of criticism.

"UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary inspectors have today appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project," UEFA said in a statement.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi facing lengthy suspension for hitting opponent

Messi could be suspended for up to 12 games for the red card he received in the final minutes of his team's 3-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao in Seville on Sunday (Monday NZT).

After passing the ball out to the left flank, Messi swung his right arm towards the head of Athletic forward Asier Villalibre as they ran forward toward the box.

Villalibre immediately fell to the ground and Messi was given his first red card in 753 appearances for Barcelona.

Messi demands release from Barcelona

The 33 year old Argentina international, has sent a fax to the club saying he wishes to exercise a clause in his contract, allowing him to leave for free with immediate effect.

Barca were beaten 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals on 16 August.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner made his debut for Barca in 2004 and has won the Champions League four times.

Barcelona, though, believe the clause has now expired and Messi is contracted to the club until 2021 with a $1.2 million buy-out clause.

Barcelona beach trip for recovering coronavirus patients

Medical teams at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona have been photographed wheeling people to the beach as part of a programme designed to humanise intensive care units.

In total, Spain has confirmed 239,932 infections and 27,127 deaths.

The government has slowly begun to ease what was one of Europe's most restrictive lockdowns.

At one point people could not go out to exercise and children were not allowed to leave their homes for any reason.

But Spain has brought its outbreak under control in recent weeks.

Barcelona win Supercopa Femenina

First-half doubles from Marta Torrejon and Alexia Putellas were added to by Asisat Oshoala and Caroline Graham Hansen to give Barca a 6-0 lead after 45 minutes at El Helmantico in Salamanca.

Oshoala scored her second in the 51st minute and Torrejon completed her hat-trick before Manuela Lareo finally got La Real on the scoreboard in the 63rd minute.

Candela Andujar made it 9-1 before Torrejon rounded off the scoring 12 minutes from time to seal an emphatic triumph.

Barcelona 5-0 Leganes

A 2-0 loss at Valencia on Saturday resulted in reigning LaLiga champions Barca falling three points adrift of rivals Real Madrid in the title race, but they appeared to get right back on track at Camp Nou on Thursday.

Setien named a strong starting line-up and Antoine Griezmann took less than four minutes to open the scoring, with Clement Lenglet nodding in the second before the half-hour mark.