Messi transfer: Barcelona fire law firm for 'disloyalty' and 'conflict of interest'

Lionel Messi transfer saga seems to have escalated over weekend with club captain failing to arrive for PCR tests ahead of team's return to pre-season training on Monday. conflict's impact has w taken ar turn with a recent report revealing that Barcelona have fired a law firm for "disloyalty" and "conflict of interest". 

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Barcelona fire law firm for disloyalty, conflict of interest 

According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Barcelona have informed Cuatrecasas law firm that club is cutting ties with firm. report states that Barcelona have blamed law firm for disloyalty and conflict of interest, citing fact that same firm has been helping Messi seek a free transfer away from Camp u. 

law firm in question has allegedly played an important role in guiding Messi in sending a burofax to Barcelona. burofax that was sent to Barcelona last week revealed Messi's request to end his relationship with club. law firm had been working with Barcelona for a considerable period of time and also represented club in Neymar case. 

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Bartomeu demands payment of Messi's release clause 

With Messi keen on seeking an exit from club, his contractual situation has been main issue of contention. 33-year-old wishes to end terms with club amicably citing his long association with Barcelona. However, club president Bartomeu isn't keen on mutually agreeing to an exit.

Bartomeu seemingly does t want to be remembered as president who let Messi leave for free. president has made it clear that any club that wishes to seal Messi transfer should pay his complete release clause that is estimated at €700 million. Bartomeu has found support from LaLiga, with league releasing a statement on same. 

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LaLiga extends support to Barcelona in Messi transfer conflict 

LaLiga's statement confirmed that league will t move ahead with process of deregistering Messi from Spanish football if he forces an exit unilaterally. LaLiga statement reiterated Bartomeu's claims that interested club should abide by release clause if y wish to seal Messi transfer. Meanwhile, Argentine's refusal to undergo PCR tests is being seen as an attempt to force an exit. Messi seemingly sees himself as a free nt currently, though multiple reports have stated that his legal claim in this scenario is weak.  

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Im courtesy: Leo Messi Instagram