Topics: La Liga, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Josep Bartomeu
The Barcelona faithful have responded to reports of Lionel Messi's imminent exit with a movement to oust the club's president.

Fans of FC Barcelona have stormed the club's offices at Camp Nou demanding for the immediate resignation of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. The protest at the venue was sparked on Tuesday evening following the news that Lionel Messi has handed in an official transfer request.

Los Blaugrana received a fax from their skipper with its content indicating that he is ready to start a new chapter elsewhere. The club's No.10 sought to activate the clause that allows him to terminate his contract at the end of every season unilaterally although it is believed to have expired in June 2020.

Per reports from Spain, Barca have responded to Messi's demands but have explained to the player that they intend to keep him and see him retire at the club. An emergency meeting was subsequently called among the club president Josep Bartomeu and the rest of the club's hierarchy to discuss the latest development.

While the deliberations went on behind close doors, fans swiftly converged outside the Camp Nou offices, shouting for Bartomeu to step down with immediate effect. Banners were also put out with the same message.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, TyC Sports claimed that some of the club's directors have already chosen to resign while others have proposed for a motion of no confidence against President Bartomeu. In effect, and as per the report, the latter has decided to vacate his post - a decision which should cause Lionel Messi to reconsider his departure. An official statement is yet to be made in accordance to the speculated development.

 

Update: Bartomeu has told Catalonia news outlet Sport that he did not submit a resignation. 

More to follow...