Cruyff stripped of honorary Barcelona title

Press Association
Friday 02 July 2010 07:14 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has been stripped of his title of honorary president of the Catalan club following the takeover of Sandro Rosell on Thursday.

Cruyff was given the title in April by former president Joan Laporta, but Rosell argued in his election campaign that the decision was undemocratic, claiming the club members (socios) should have been given the right to vote on such an appointment.

And Rosell, who secured a landslide election victory on June 13 and took over officially on Thursday, has moved quickly to strip Cruyff of the title.

"On March 26 the board agreed to name Cruyff president of honour, but article 16 only contemplates members of honour," Toni Freixa, a spokesman for the new Barcelona board of directors told local media.

"It does not fit in with the statutes and they would have to be modified to contemplate such a figure."

Barca's socios will now have the chance to vote on whether they want a president of honour and if so, who it should be.

However, Cruyff will be recognised one way or another.

"Cruyff is a member of honour and a Barcelona legend. He will be recognised, as will all ex-players," Freixa added.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in