Barça considering sponsorship deal
One of the proudest traditions in Spanish football could be about to end if Barcelona accept a bid to sponsor the club's shirts. Internet betting firm betandwin.com are believed to have tabled a three-to-four year deal that could net Barça up to 15 million euros per season.
Barcelona are one of the last of Europe's big clubs to continue playing without a shirt sponsor, but financial privations mean the offer is being seriously considered by bosses at the Nou Camp.
The Catalans are proud of their 'independent' status, but betandwin.com's offer would secure the immediate financial future of a club that has slipped badly into debt and is feeling the pinch after another summer spending spree.
Club president Joan Laporta made much of Barcelona's history in his successful election campaign, and must weigh the financial upside against the inevitable discontent from supporters should the club break with the past.
While the amount paid would fluctuate according to the club's success, Spanish sports daily Marca puts it at a possible 15 million euros a year, the second-biggest deal in the world.
Only Bayern Munich collect more - around 17 million euros from Telekom, but Barça would surpass Manchester United, Juventus (13.5 million each a year) and arch-rivals Real Madrid, who receive 12 million every season from Siemens.
Betandwin.com's desire for the sponsorship to take immediate effect could provide a logistical obstacle, with shirt manufacturer Nike required to produce the new shirt and remove old, logo-less stock from stores.
A decision is expected within the next week.