Barcelona confirm resignation of senior Joan Laporta ally
- Romeu has stepped down from his role as economic vice-president
- Former official had been responsible for Barca's viability plan as they seek to cut costs
- President Joan Laporta paid tribute to Romeu
By Tom Gott
Barcelona have confirmed the resignation of economic vice-president Eduard Romeu.
Romeu joined the club following Joan Laporta's return as president, with his focus largely on managing the club's financial concerns. He helped develop Barca's viability plan as they sought to cut costs and abide by La Liga's financial restrictions.
Barcelona confirmed in a statement that Romeu has stepped down over an inability to fulfil his duties alongside commitments outside the club.
"Thank you to the entire board," Romeu told a press conference. "It has been an honour to serve the club of my dreams, it has been a wonderful experience.
"The priority was Barca, but sometimes situations change. It has been two-and-a-half intense years at the club, it was 'full' at Barca. We don't get paid from the club. You have to start projects, and starting them is difficult. This vice-presidency requires me to have absolute dedication that does not allow me to combine it.
"The work is done, the economic team will finish adjusting the €200m that the club had been losing in the past. The levers have helped us buy time."
President Laporta added: "I would like to thank Eduard for his work, for his human qualities, for everything. He has been key to the economic rescue of Barca, and it is fair to say that. A key person in the club's economy.
"Between you and the other members of the team, the economy has been phenomenal, thanks to the viability plan, on this intense campaign of debt reduction.
"Eduard has decided this because it is a professional and vital need that he has, and the resignation is accepted. I understand why. He has done an extraordinary job, a key person for Barça's economy. We will continue in contact. He has left this area in a good place, and any of the board of directors of this area will assume this position without problems."
Romeu becomes the latest in a long list of high-ranking officials who have departed Barcelona in recent months, including the likes of former sporting director Mateu Alemany and chief executive Ferran Reverter.
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