Barcelona 'strongly deny' hiring firm to discredit players, legends and socios

FC Barcelona have released a statement strongly denying contracting services to discredit players, club legends and presidential candidates, among others. 

SER Catalunya reported on Monday that, through I3 Ventures, the board had paid for influential social media accounts to help preserve the club's image at the same time as attacking other people related to the club. 

Barça have subsequently threatened legal action if the reports are corrected immediately. 

A statement read: 

"With regards to information published today about the contracting of a company dedicated to creating opinion on social media with a view to damaging the image of third parties related directly or indirectly with the Club, FC Barcelona: 

"1.- Roundly deny any relationship, and furthermore, the contracting of services linked to social media accounts that have broadcast negative or disparaging messages related to any person, entity or organisation that may be, or have been, related to the Club. 

"2. - I3 Ventures, a service provider to the Club, has no relationship with the accounts mentioned and, if any relationship was to come to light, the Club would immediately end their contractual agreement and bring about any necessary legal action to defend their interests. 

"3.- As such, FC Barcelona confirm that it has services contracted relating to the monitoring of social media with the aim of analysing both positive and negative messages about the organisation itself. 

"4.- With the contracting of these services, the Club is attempting to look after and preserve its reputation as well those of people related to the Club (sponsors, players, board members, members, supporters' club members...), as far as the protection of this reputation is a fundamental element and responsibility for those who work for the organisation. 

"5.- The Club demands an immediate rectification of the information published and reserves the right to exercise legal action against those who continue to implicate the Club in such practices."