BARCELONA have been forced to deny sensational claims they paid a PR firm to attack star players including Lionel Messi.
It was suggested that the LaLiga champions worked alongside I3 Ventures to damage the reputation of Messi, Gerard Pique, former players and potential presidents.
Lionel Messi was apparently targetted by a PR company paid by BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In reports by radio programme SER Catalunya and La Llotja del Que t’hi Jugues, they were tasked with “creating opinions on social media.”
It is suggested their main aim was to “protect the reputation of President Josep Maria Bartomeu.”
The apparent whistleblowers suggested that I3 Ventures had Twitter and Facebook accounts that wrote numerous posts to alter public opinion of the players.
These included attacks on Messi’s reluctance to sign a new contract at the Nou Camp while Pique was targetted following his project to revamp the Davis Cup.
It is claimed that over 100 accounts were created in total and Barca paid the company around £830,000.
But the Catalan giants have issued a statement denying any knowledge or involvement.
It read: “FC Barcelona 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.
“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.
“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.”
The company apparently wanted to protect Barcelona President Josep Maria BartomeuCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
