Barcagate: Club legends Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique revealed as key targets of I3 Ventures

It was indeed a moment of uncertainty and precariousness when local police arrived at Camp u to investigate purported Barcagate on Monday. Later, it was confirmed that former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu was arrested for social media scandal involving I3 Ventures. former president is alleged to have hired a social media company to tarnish im and reputation of some of biggest club superstars, including Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique. 

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Barcelona president arrested: Barcagate targetted Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique?

Messi and Pique had been at loggerheads with Barcelona manment led by Bartomeu. Argentine forward was on verge of leaving Blaugrana when he sent a letter demanding his transfer, w kwn as 'Burofax Saga', only for Bartomeu to veto his exit. Pique too has been critical of club's transfer activities over previous few seasons. 

And according to Spanish media publication AS, two club legends were key targets of Bartomeu. former president hired I3 Ventures, a social media company with aim of maligning im and reputation of Messi and Pique on social media. Interestingly, former midfielder Xavi Hernandez was also among targets.

Barcagate row first came to light last year, following which Bartomeu decided to step down. Pique had n demanded accountability from president over allegations. former Manchester United defender had claimed that it was outrous on part of club to spend money on criticising its own players. 

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What is Barcagate row which landed Bartomeu behind bars?

In a later interview, Pique had revealed that he spoke to president about allegations. But n-president suggested his incence, denying any wrongdoing and defender believed in him. But progressive investigation suggests that man at helm at highest office at Camp u was key conspirator behind scandal. 

Interestingly, I3 Ventures were also tasked with responsibility of maintaining Barcelona's social media accounts. But ir contract was terminated after allegations came to fore last year. Meanwhile, an external audit conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers claimed that club had done wrong r did y pay an inflated price for I3's services. Despite clearance, local police decided to proceed with investigation. 

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Barcelona's official statement on current crisis 

Barcelona released an official statement following search at Camp u and subsequent arrest of Bartomeu. It read, "Regarding entry and search by Catalan Police force this morning at Camp u offices by order of Instructing Court number 13 in Barcelona, which is in charge of case relating to contacting of monitoring services on social networks, FC Barcelona have offered up ir full collaboration to legal and police authorities to help make clear facts which are subject to investigation."

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Im courtesy: Barcelona Twitter