Bartomeu’s fate has perhaps been determined since he was heavily criticised by Gerard Pique and then Lionel Messi, who was furious that a summer exit from the Catalan club was blocked.

Bartomeu does not have much widespread support and was due to face a vote of no confidence in next month’s election after the Spanish government gave the green light for voting to go ahead at the Nou Camp despite the coronavirus crisis.

His fellow board members have also resigned.

A short statement on Barcelona’s Twitter account read: “President Josep Maria Bartomeu announces the resignation of the FC Barcelona Board of Directors.”

Bartomeu left a time-bomb behind by saying in his statement that the club had begun proceedings to join a European super league to help its financial future.

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