Barca president Rosell resigns following 'misappropriation' investigation over Neymar deal

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has reportedly resigned following a Spanish court's decision to investigate alleged misappropriation of funds in the 48.6 million-pound deal with Brazilian side Santos for footballer Neymar.

Rosell, who insisted that the club acted correctly in the Neymar deal, will be succeeded by vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

According to the BBC, the Spanish court accepted a lawsuit from a Barcelona club member, who has alleged that the amount paid was more than the reported fee, although Rosell said that Neymar's signing has caused despair and envy in some of the club's adversaries for which he has been recklessly and unfairly accused of misappropriation.

Stating that he and his family have suffered threats and attacks in silence for some time, Rosell further said that these have made him wonder if being president means having to jeopardise his family, adding that he also does not want the attacks on him to negatively affect the management or image of the club, for which he has resigned.

Rosell also said that the right of the club members to be informed needs to be compatible with the defence of the club and confidentiality of certain matters and facts, adding that this confidentiality is essential in the world of football because otherwise the club could be damaged.