The remaining 13 Barca directors 'won't step down as they are loyal to Bartomeu'

A complicated week for FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has reached its end. At the start of the week, four of his directors handed in their resignations. They joined Maria Teixdor and Jordi Calsamiglia on the outside of Bartomeu's board of directors.

Instead of seeing this as a loss for Bartomeu, it's actually strengthened his position at the club. The remaining 13 directors are in favour of his leadership and no one else is expected to step down in the foreseeable future.

Perhaps the most surprising exit was that of Emili Rousand, especially as the two had a strong bond before this week. In fact, there was even talk that Bartomeu would recommend Rousand to replace him as the president of the club when the next elections take place in 2021. That won't happen now.

Rousand claimed someone at Barça had their hand in the till. Bartomeu didn't waste any time in responding to the allegations and released an official statement. "In the light of the serious and unfounded accusations made this morning by Mr. Emili Rousaud, ex institutional vice president at the Club, in different interviews with the media, FC Barcelona categorically denies any activity that can be described as corruption, therefore, reserves the right to any legal action that may correspond."

The now-former director also said two or three more could follow him out of the door. Bartomeu held a video conference call to find out if this was true. All 13 said "no" and give their immediate backing to the president.