FC Barcelona official statement

In relation to the article that the newspaper 'Ara' published today on its website titled “The anomalous auction of Alexia Putellas' NFT”, FC Barcelona wishes to clarify:

1- An eventual increase in the purchase value is a common occurrence in the world of auctions, where potential buyers wait until the last minute to ensure they can make a definitive bid for the lot that they want to purchase. One hour before the auction closed the foinal offer was 120 ETHs. 15 minutes before closing, a final offer of 160 ETHs was made, enough for the last bidder to buy the item, as was their wish.

2- The phrase “an anonymous user under the nickname MoonPayHG” demonstrates inappropriate journalistic ignorance of how Blockchain works, since MoonPay is a common payment method in the sector (like Visa or MasterCard are in regular banking transactions) and is not a user.

3- 'Ara' newspaper describes a Gold Edition NFT collection associated with Masterpiece #2 as a link between the buyer and FC Barcelona. The club wishes to clarify that there is no collection called the Gold Edition of the NFT or any other similar project either in the short or medium term.

4- The value of an NFT is set according to criteria of exclusivity, the associated narrative, the artistic value of the piece, the associated utilities and experiences and, above all, the market interest. The item Masterpiece #2: Empowerment was created by American digital artist Rhi Madeline, a member of World of Women, the largest association of female digital artists in the world. There were three utilities or experiences associated with the NFT: a Meet & Greet with the captain of the FC Barcelona women's team, Alexia Putellas, football boots signed by the player, and a seat from the old Spotify Camp Nou illustrated by the artist Oscar Tusquets, and signed by Alexia. The buyer has already received the first two experiences and third will be delivered as soon as the buyer's schedule allows.

5- FC Barcelona's Communication Department wished to provide 'Ara' newspaper with the contact details of the buyer of Masterpiece #2 as a sign of its transparency and to help refute the story. The buyer contacted the club to report that, despite having requested to remain anonymous, the newspaper has revealed their identity and has modified the meaning of their words in an attempt to prove a non-existent relationship between the buyer and FC Barcelona.

6- Finally, FC Barcelona is surprised by the journalistic methods used in this case, which have included harassment by telephone of club personnel and ignoring the club's statements regarding the veracity of this story.

For this reason, FC Barcelona reserves the right to take any actions it deems appropriate in defence of its workers, the reputation of its assets and the impact on potential investors.