We’ve got mail: Official FCB response to wholehearted Socio
A friend of totalBarca, Sam from the UK, who is also a proud Socio, forwarded us an official response that he received from FC Barcelona’s OAB (Supporter Services Office) with regards to why FCB members were not notified of the new shirt sponsorship arrangement. There may not be clear answers in the following communiqué from OAB, but a special thanks to Sam for sharing it with everyone.
Please note that this information is provided to help with creating and sharing an understanding and not to provide any sort of position.
Dear member,
First of all, we would like to thank you for sending us your comments, because they reflect the ideological diversity of such a great club as FC Barcelona.
The sponsorship agreement with Qatar Foundation, through Qatar Sports Investment, fulfills the interests of our club. It is also good because it will help FC Barcelona to resolve its most pressing problems. Qatar Sports Investment will pay FC Barcelona 165 million €. Thanks to this agreement, the brand “FC Barcelona” will stand as the undisputed leader in the world football market, leaving its international competitors far behind.
FC Barcelona has not signed an agreement with a commercial brand, but with a foundation –Qatar Foundation- that shares the same values as the club. In doing so, we strengthen the message of solidarity on FC Barcelona’s jersey. Qatar Foundation is a non governmental organization with non profit motive that was founded in 1945 and was built on three pillars: education, science and research. The foundation is open to everybody. We would like to point out that Unicef is collaborating with the Qatari Government and that the country is constructively working in favour of children’s rights. Qatar has positively responded to the suggestions given by Unicef in order to improve certain policies and practices related to children.
This agreement responds to the delicate financial situation of the club. For the time being, the money that FC Barcelona will receive will help pay the club’s debt, so that FC Barcelona can be a stronger club in the near future. It is true that we had other options to combat the debt (we could raise membership fees, sell the club’s patrimony or disband some sports sections), but the Board has not considered these options.
Finally, in 2003 the delegates approved the possibility of signing a sponsorship deal for FC Barcelona’s jersey, therefore another debate in the Assembly was not needed. However, in the next [Delegates’] Assembly the representatives will be provided with all the information available, because FC Barcelona members are the owners of the club. If they believed it necessary, the delegates could contest and stop the agreement with Qatar Foundation.
Once again, thank you for sending us your comments.
Happy New Year 2011
[Manager] Office of Attention Supporter of Barcelona Football Club
hi, the delegates are chosen in accordance with the club's charter. the doc is dowloadable at the official site ( i think, i got my copy from someone).
@martryze: i agree with nzm, its the proposal of having a shirt sponsor that was passed upon, not the actual/specific sponsor itself. whc makes the reasoning of the current fcb board kinda farcical and esp cos before, when rosell was going up against laporta on this issue, he made a huge fuss about unicef not being approved per se. so..
For someone who works for KPMG, you could at least properly spell Deloitte!
And what happened to innocent, unless proven guilty – which is in fact the legal right that everyone has, until otherwise proven, beyond a reasonable doubt? ;.)
As for Laporta being guilty, that's not for you to decide, and certainly not your place to make statements about him that are libelous, without having firm evidence to back it up.
The "General Assembly", at their last meeting, voted to action the claims made against Laporta, but funnily enough, they didn't give him the right of reply. However, I'd be surprised if any charges against Laporta ever make it to court.
Certainly the happenings certainly didn't prevent Laporta from becoming a member of the Catalonian parliament, as he did in the last election.
I'm not saying that the guy is all good – I have no feelings for him either way. But don't be so quick to bring him down, just because others are saying things that up until now have not been 100% explained, nor justified.
There is a lot of ill-will between Laporta and Rosell, and I hope that the club does not suffer because of personal vendettas.
the OAB didnt exactly use the dame words, but it meant pretty much the same.
They have no respect for us members. It was different before.
Hey, how can I get access to it??
Good idea… I'll ask.
Sorry i'm just running it on my phone right now, I'll put it up in the market and let you know the location next week… probably Monday.
Its free and I'd love to hear your comments on it.
Hey, please visit this space: http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
We need signatures!!
Either it is good or bad, WE need to know and WE need to decide (or at least participate in the decision).
Where's the democracy Rosell keep saying about when on campaign? (i didn't buy it, but a lot of people did).
This is big. The shirt is not something the board can just sell without any explanation. This is not manchester city.
And the figures, well, I don't buy it. Period. There were 2 financial reviews this year and we only saw one. And the one with the supposed huge debt didn't have a graph showing how the debt has been decreasing over the years (that is a known fact, not a lie from Laporta).
Hey, please visit this space: http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
We need signatures!!
Either it is good or bad, WE need to know and WE need to decide (or at least participate in the decision).
Where's the democracy Rosell keep saying about when on campaign? (i didn't buy it, but a lot of people did).
This is big. The shirt is not something the board can just sell without any explanation. This is not manchester city.
And the figures, well, I don't buy it. Period. There were 2 financial reviews this year and we only saw one. And the one with the supposed huge debt didn't have a graph showing how the debt has been decreasing over the years (that is a known fact, not a lie from Laporta).
Hey, please visit this space: http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
We need signatures!!
Either it is good or bad, WE need to know and WE need to decide (or at least participate in the decision).
Where's the democracy Rosell keep saying about when on campaign? (i didn't buy it, but a lot of people did).
This is big. The shirt is not something the board can just sell without any explanation. This is not manchester city.
And the figures, well, I don't buy it. Period. There were 2 financial reviews this year and we only saw one. And the one with the supposed huge debt didn't have a graph showing how the debt has been decreasing over the years (that is a known fact, not a lie from Laporta).
Hey, please visit this space: http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
We need signatures!!
Either it is good or bad, WE need to know and WE need to decide (or at least participate in the decision).
Where's the democracy Rosell keep saying about when on campaign? (i didn't buy it, but a lot of people did).
This is big. The shirt is not something the board can just sell without any explanation. This is not manchester city.
And the figures, well, I don't buy it. Period. There were 2 financial reviews this year and we only saw one. And the one with the supposed huge debt didn't have a graph showing how the debt has been decreasing over the years (that is a known fact, not a lie from Laporta).
Hey, please visit this space: http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
We need signatures!!
Either it is good or bad, WE need to know and WE need to decide (or at least participate in the decision).
Where's the democracy Rosell keep saying about when on campaign? (i didn't buy it, but a lot of people did).
This is big. The shirt is not something the board can just sell without any explanation. This is not manchester city.
And the figures, well, I don't buy it. Period. There were 2 financial reviews this year and we only saw one. And the one with the supposed huge debt didn't have a graph showing how the debt has been decreasing over the years (that is a known fact, not a lie from Laporta).
Hey, please visit this space: http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
We need signatures!!
Either it is good or bad, WE need to know and WE need to decide (or at least participate in the decision).
Where's the democracy Rosell keep saying about when on campaign? (i didn't buy it, but a lot of people did).
This is big. The shirt is not something the board can just sell without any explanation. This is not manchester city.
And the figures, well, I don't buy it. Period. There were 2 financial reviews this year and we only saw one. And the one with the supposed huge debt didn't have a graph showing how the debt has been decreasing over the years (that is a known fact, not a lie from Laporta).
Given the balance sheet and how the 165m can wipe out most of the debt and enable Barca to bid for good players in the future, I would think it is not too bad a deal. Sometimes we have to compromise than stay stubborn to history and what not only to end up in a black hole so deep, the Club falters. I'd rather have the 165m to pay off debt and from there generate good, sustainable cashflow for the benefit of the Club now and in the future. Guys, there is no selling out here. I would think it is purely a prudent financial decision. The Club already is THE BEST IN THE WORLD!! But in these times without $$$$, you'll end up being nothing!
Sam – they won't block it because they are pro-Rosell. No one knows how the socios that attend the General Assembly are chosen. Certainly us Socios who don't attend do not know!
thanks mariaines – I've signed!
I find this sad. And a tad inaccurate.
"FC Barcelona has not signed an agreement with a commercial brand, but with a foundation –Qatar Foundation"
Um, no, FC Barcelona has signed an agreement with Qatar Sports Investment. No Foundation. Anyone know anything about this Investment?! The fact that they allow the foundation itself to be on the shirt, is just good business?! In fact, we signed an agreement with Qatar. The Country. Period.
"Qatar Foundation is a non governmental organization with non profit motive that was founded in 1945"
Wrong again. The foundation receives direct funding from the government. So non governmental MY ASS!
Anyone who's against this BS:
Please sign the online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
or http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
Visca Non tainted Barca!
I find this sad. And a tad inaccurate.
"FC Barcelona has not signed an agreement with a commercial brand, but with a foundation –Qatar Foundation"
Um, no, FC Barcelona has signed an agreement with Qatar Sports Investment. No Foundation. Anyone know anything about this Investment?! The fact that they allow the foundation itself to be on the shirt, is just good business?! In fact, we signed an agreement with Qatar. The Country. Period.
"Qatar Foundation is a non governmental organization with non profit motive that was founded in 1945"
Wrong again. The foundation receives direct funding from the government. So non governmental MY ASS!
Anyone who's against this BS:
Please sign the online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
or http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
Visca Non tainted Barca!
I find this sad. And a tad inaccurate.
"FC Barcelona has not signed an agreement with a commercial brand, but with a foundation –Qatar Foundation"
Um, no, FC Barcelona has signed an agreement with Qatar Sports Investment. No Foundation. Anyone know anything about this Investment?! The fact that they allow the foundation itself to be on the shirt, is just good business?! In fact, we signed an agreement with Qatar. The Country. Period.
"Qatar Foundation is a non governmental organization with non profit motive that was founded in 1945"
Wrong again. The foundation receives direct funding from the government. So non governmental MY ASS!
Anyone who's against this BS:
Please sign the online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
or http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
Visca Non tainted Barca!
I find this sad. And a tad inaccurate.
"FC Barcelona has not signed an agreement with a commercial brand, but with a foundation –Qatar Foundation"
Um, no, FC Barcelona has signed an agreement with Qatar Sports Investment. No Foundation. Anyone know anything about this Investment?! The fact that they allow the foundation itself to be on the shirt, is just good business?! In fact, we signed an agreement with Qatar. The Country. Period.
"Qatar Foundation is a non governmental organization with non profit motive that was founded in 1945"
Wrong again. The foundation receives direct funding from the government. So non governmental MY ASS!
Anyone who's against this BS:
Please sign the online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
or http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
Visca Non tainted Barca!
I find this sad. And a tad inaccurate.
"FC Barcelona has not signed an agreement with a commercial brand, but with a foundation –Qatar Foundation"
Um, no, FC Barcelona has signed an agreement with Qatar Sports Investment. No Foundation. Anyone know anything about this Investment?! The fact that they allow the foundation itself to be on the shirt, is just good business?! In fact, we signed an agreement with Qatar. The Country. Period.
"Qatar Foundation is a non governmental organization with non profit motive that was founded in 1945"
Wrong again. The foundation receives direct funding from the government. So non governmental MY ASS!
Anyone who's against this BS:
Please sign the online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
or http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
Visca Non tainted Barca!
I find this sad. And a tad inaccurate.
"FC Barcelona has not signed an agreement with a commercial brand, but with a foundation –Qatar Foundation"
Um, no, FC Barcelona has signed an agreement with Qatar Sports Investment. No Foundation. Anyone know anything about this Investment?! The fact that they allow the foundation itself to be on the shirt, is just good business?! In fact, we signed an agreement with Qatar. The Country. Period.
"Qatar Foundation is a non governmental organization with non profit motive that was founded in 1945"
Wrong again. The foundation receives direct funding from the government. So non governmental MY ASS!
Anyone who's against this BS:
Please sign the online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
or http://www.socisambdretadecidir.cat/
Visca Non tainted Barca!
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
Sign here too: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41752.html
And everything you've said is spot on. Rosell seems a bit too sure of himself and that the Socios won't go against him. And the sad part is, I don't think they will. Most of them voted him in. And he's made sure it will be hard for anyone else to join as freely. So basically he controls the socios he has now. And I wonder too, who can attend those meetings?
Oh for heaven sakes, plz don't let us cules down and vote this crap down. This is outrages
About the debt, and the inaccurate numbers, read Swiss Ramble!
http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-hap…
If Laporta was still in charge, his accounts would have been approved just like they were over the last 7 years (also then among accusations of the press bought by Rosell). Auditors just tell what the board wants them to tell. Rosell has moved all the losses to Laporta and all the profits to the future so that he – also with the money of the Franco regime in Qatar – can make himself and his friends richer. A shame the club is being abused for personal gain.