Open letter from Josep Maria Bartomeu: 'Today, more than ever, as one with the people'

I would like to address the blaugrana family to deliver you, the name of the Club, a message of calm, confidence and above all, of responsibility in the light of the current health emergency that we are experiencing. FC Barcelona, as a club with a commitment to be active beyond the confines of sport, wishes to help faced with this extraordinary situation that is affecting the whole world. 

It is obvious that the current emergency goes well beyond our field of influence, nevertheless, we are aware that we will only be able to overcome this crisis by combining individual and collective efforts. Right from the start we have put ourselves at the service of the health authorities to fulfill, and help others fulfill, the recommendations and indications to help combat the spreading of the virus and to dilute its effect as much as possible. 

For that reason, with the objective of looking after the health of our members, supporters’ club members, sportspeople, Club employees, and families, we immediately took measures and activated the necessary protocols. It was a question, above all else, of protecting people’s health. 

At the same time, over the last few days, we have been in contact with leading bodies from the football industry and other sports, looking at the possible scenarios that may come about and looking for measures to help us get through it. 

As a Club, we have a responsibility and we are exercising that responsibility. As such, we ask everybody to stay at home and to follow to the letter the recommendations of the relevant authorities to help reduce the rest of infection. Except for exceptional cases, staying at home is not an option but a responsibility we have as responsible citizens.

Following Barça means being aware and helping others in society and most of all those groups who are most vulnerable. 

I wish to send all our support to those people who are suffering from the infection and its consequences and I also wish to thank our medical services and all the health professionals involved who are risking their own health and working tirelessly to protect that of others. You are all role models and your example can guide us in this battle against the virus. 

Meanwhile, we are at the service of the authorities to contribute in any way necessary to overcome this situation. Today, more than ever, we are as one with the people. We are Barça and that is our commitment. 

Josep Maria Bartomeu, FC Barcelona president