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Josep Maria Bartomeu visits stands of Etisalat and Oppo at Mobile World Congress

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Arroyo, Hatem Dowidar and Bartomeu, at the stand of Etisalat at MWC / GERMÁN PARGA-FCB
The president of FC Barcelona, accompanied by vice-president Manel Arroyo, met with representatives of the two companies to strengthen ties

Josep Maria Bartomeu on Tuesday visited the stands of two FC Barcelona sponsors at the Mobile World Congress of Barcelona (MWC); Etisalat and OPPO.

Both companies had a strong presence at what is considered one of the biggest events in the telecommunications industry.

Bartomeu’s visit to the MWC, along with club vice-president, area of marketing and communications, Manel Arroyo, and commercial director Francesco Calvo, began with a vist to the stand of Etisalat, where they met with their management team headed by Hatem Dowidar, chief of operations of the telecommunications company.

Then, the president of the club visited the stand of OPPO where he met with the company’s vice-president Sky Li, who was accompanied by other directors of the Chinese organisation. During the visit, the FC Barcelona delegation got a first-hand look at the technology that the smartphones company presented.

FC Barcelona and Etisalat have been collaborating since 2009. This agreement has been renewed and runs through to 30 June 2017 which makes the United Arab Emirates-based company the club’s Premium Regional Partner in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon and Morocco, among others.

The agreement was signed between FC Barcelona and smartphones brand OPPO in May 2015 and is valid for three years, which makes the company an official club sponsor. OPPO distributes mobile devices to more than 20 countries such as China, Australia, Mexico and regions like South East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, and is planning an ambitious expansion plan.

Manel Arroyo, vice-president, area of marketing and communications of FC Barcelona:

“First we have to congratulate this event, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. During the event, we met with two of our sponsors, Etisalat and Oppo, with whom we are building the image of our club around the world. Oppo and Etisalat are using the Barça brand to grow and to be seen in this market. This is the path we should continue to lead which will bear fruit for the club.”


LIVE - Ceremony for the renewal and expansion of the Barça-UNICEF alliance

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unicef
Attending will be FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu, Vice-President Jordi Cardoner, Executive Director of Unicef, Anthony Lake and President of the Spanish Committee of UNICEF, Carmelo Angulo

Attending will be FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu, Vice President Jordi Cardoner, Executive Director of UNICEF, Anthony Lake and President of the Spanish Committee of UNICEF, Carmelo Angulo

Afghan boy who wore plastic Messi jersey receives gifts sent by the Argentine himself

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Murtaza Ahmadi has a brand new Leo Messi jersey, courtesy of the Barça star. / UNICEF
Murtaza Ahmadi, whose photo wearing a homemade Messi jersey was widely circulated on the internet earlier this year, was given two signed shirts and a ball by the FC Barcelona striker

Five-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi, an Afghan boy whose photo went viral after he was pictured wearing an Argentine National Team soccer jersey made from a plastic bag with ‘Messi’ and the number ’10’ penned on the back, today received a special package sent by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lionel Messi.

The package, given to Murtaza at the UNICEF Afghanistan Office in Kabul, contained two of Messi’s teams’ soccer jerseys - the Argentine National Team and FC Barcelona - and a ball, as a symbol of Messi’s commitment to fomenting sports in children’s lives. The items were signed by Messi himself.

Murtaza is just one of 246 million of children living in countries and areas affected by conflict across the world. Murtaza and all children affected by crises must have access to their right to sport and play.

Schedule for the weekend of February 27 and 28

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Yet another lively weekend awaits at FC Barcelona / FCB
There are two great games on Sunday, with the women at home to Athletic Bilbao in the Miniestadi and the men facing Sevilla at the Camp Nou, and plenty more sporting action besides (all times Central European Time)

Saturday 27 February

1.00pm FUTSAL FC Barcelona Lassa v Movistar Inter

It’s second against first in the LNFS, and so a great chance for Barça to cut down some of their seven-point deficit on the current leaders.

7.00pm ROLLER HOCKEY FC Barcelona Lassa v Noia Freixenet

It’s cup semi-final day, and if Barça win this, then they’ll be in Sunday’s final, starting at 4.00pm.

9.00pm HANDBALL FC Barcelona Lassa v Bada Huesca

Barça are runaway leaders in the league and this weekend they’re at home to the team in seventh place.

Sunday 28 February

12.00pm WOMEN’S FOOTBALL FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao

Huge game for the side coached by Xavi Llorens, who could move to within a point of the Basques if they win this one.

5.00pm FOOTBALL Alcoyano v FC Barcelona B

The side coached by Gerard López are looking for a seventh consecutive in in the league. They are currently ninth and on Sunday play a side two places above them.

7.30pm BASJETBALL CAI Zaragoza FC Barcelona Lassa

Second placed Barça (18-2) look to continue their fine Liga Endesa form against the struggling Aragonese outfit (6-14).

8.30pm FOOTBALL FC Barcelona v Sevilla

After the big win Arsenal, it’s back to the league, and a game at home to the last team to beat Barça, Sevilla.

Launch of new version of "FCB Connect" app

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The new version offers even more great features / FCB
Designed in collaboration with WISeKey, the app offers full interaction with the club and its players via social networks, along with many other new functions

FC Barcelona and WISeKey, the world leading digital security solutions company, have launched a new version of the 'FCB Connect' app, which now features new functionalities and facilities for complete interaction with the club and its players. From now on, when you download 'FCB Connect', you’ll be able to follow your favourite players on social networks and access all the latest FC Barcelona pics and videos.

'FCB Connect' can be used to see what the players are posting on Twitter or Facebook, without the need to even have an account on those networks, thus providing real-time interaction. You can also receive all the latest news from the club, and plenty of additional exclusive content. The platform offers a number of next-gen features, including biometric facial comparisons between fans and any player they like.

Speaking about this new launch, FCB’s vice-president for Marketing and Communication, Manel Arroyo, commented that "in this global world in which everything happens on smartphones, FC Barcelona wanted to get closer to its supporters via their mobile devices … Initiatives like this help all fans, wherever they are, to carry the club in their pocket.”

The founder and CEO of WISeKey, Carlos Moreira, added that "we’re delighted to continue to enrich this app. 'FCB Connect By Social Hub' is part of the club’s digital transformation strategy, and integrates the digital identity of its supporters with improved relations with the club and by exploiting the use of 'FCB Connect-ID' to expand the range of valuable offers and value added services that the club shall be offering shortly.”

Announcement from Monday's meeting of the Board of Directors

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The Board of Directors at the Monastary of Poblet. / GERMÁN PARGA- FCB
The Board's ordinary session was convened in the town of Poblet in rural Catalonia

The FC Barcelona Board of Directors met today at the Monastery of Poblet, one of the places chosen for perdiodic meetings within the territory of Catalonia. Due to the symbolic meaning and the values shared, the Club decided to head to Poblet, where they have just begun the undertaking of a local project to boost tourism, and which is supported by the FC Barcelona Foundation.

Here are the highlights of Monday's meeting:

  • The Board expressed satisfaction for the renewal of the agreement with UNICEF until 2020, a deal which was finalised last week and which calls for an increase in the Club's annual contribution to two million Euros. With this renewal both organisations reaffirm their commitment to work for the rights of children worldwide. The Board thanked UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake for his praise of the FC Barcelona model in a recent speech before the United Nations.
  • The Board approved the allocation of 209 season seats at Camp Nou, all coming from administrative attrition, and which will be available for members registered on the waiting list. Seats have been assigned to the waiting list for the fifth consecutive year, bringing allocations to a total of 1,926 since the 2011/12 season.
  • This season, in accordance with the commitment made by the Board in the last election, new season ticket holders will not have to pay the non-refundable registration fee amounting to three seasons worth of tickets.
  • The Club will call members enrolled on the waiting list in order by certified letter and email. In-person seat selection will begin on 7 April  and end on 22 April. Season tickets will be valid for next season, 2016/17. Members who do not show up or who renounce their proposed seats will be removed from the waiting list. Once the process is complete, the waiting list will be updated and members will see their new position in the club website.
  • The Board approved the contract for the lease of FC Barcelona's new office in New York, which will be located in Manhattan, and which will open in the coming weeks.
  • Finally, the Board congratulated the roller hockey team, which this weekend won the Copa del Rey in Reus, the 20th Cup in team history.

‘Barça Dreams’ to be released on DVD and Blu-ray

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Jordi Llompart presents a copy of 'Barça Dreams' to President Bartomeu. / GERMÁN PARGA - FCB
A new documentary that tells the history of FC Barcelona goes on sale this Wednesday

Get prepared...The moment everyone has been waiting for is finally here.

In a world of emotion and victory...Where goals are always present...The dreams of players past give birth to a new world order...Forged on the fields of La Masia.

Barça Dreams.

Brought to you by director Jordi Llompart and producer Jorge Lorenzo, this stunning new documentary delves into the soul of the world's most admired football club. From the vision of Joan Gamper to the otherworldly powers of Lionel Messi, Barça Dreams will take you on an unforgettable journey through the annals of Club history as seen through the eyes of players past and present, as well as the men who coached them, and interviews with distinguished historians of the game will leave you feeling all the emotion, all the passion, and all the dreams of FC Barcelona.

*Barça Dreams will be officially released to the public on Wednesday 2 March and will be available on DVD (€10.20) and Blu-ray (€16.35) in Spain at Fnac, El Corte Ingles, Media Markt, Abacus and online at amazon.es and cameo.es.

The most viewed FC Barcelona videos from the month of February 2016

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Els vídeos més vistos del mes de febrer
Among the most popular are the team's official photo session, the match at Arsenal and training session skills

1) Leo Messi dazzles Eros Ramazzotti with an astonishing goal


2) FC Barcelona squad poses for official 2015/16 team photograph


3) Neymar and Munir show off skills in training session


4) Barça train at Arsenal Stadium ahead of Champions League tie


5) HIGHLIGHTS: Under-19 v Lleida (5-1)


6) Messi surpasses 300 goals in La Liga


7) The squad congratulates Messi


8) Training session ahead of trip to Valencia


9) Goals of the week, made in La Masia (19/20 February)


10) Luis Enrique's goals versus Arsenal


Josep Maria Bartomeu: The New Palau will be an architectural jewel

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Josep Maria Bartomeu and Juan Carlos Navarro during the presentation / GERMAN PARGA - FCB
The FC Barcelona president was at the 1899 Auditorium to present the innovative project for the new arena

The capacity and atmosphere of the New Palau

The mass social interest in professional sports is high. Therefore, Jordi Moix believes "we have the sufficient facilities to cover around 10,000 seats." However, the New Palau is designed to be flexible. Through retractable seating, it can reach a capacity of 12,000 spectators. To maintain its famous atmosphere of the current Palau, Gascón from TAC Arquitectes, assured that they will work hard on the proximity of the fans and the acoustic effect. Rhodes from HOK Architecture, on his part, said “we will create an arena with energy that provides a unique experience for European fans."

The New Palau Blaugrana was presented on Tuesday at the 1899 Auditorium where the president of FC Barcelona spoke about the innovative project.

The current Palau is famous for its nights of glory and great comebacks, and so club president Josep Maria Bartomeu was quick to assure that the new stadium will maintain its terrific atmosphere.

The president says that “it is designed to remain a cauldron,” which is a prominent characteristic felt by both players and fans alike in the current court.

During the event, Bartomeu spoke of his delight with the final design, which is “a global renovation project and improvement of the FC Barcelona facilities”.

The New Palau will be "unique, innovative and an architectural jewel” which will hold everything necessary “to help us complete our objective of becoming the biggest sporting club in the world”.

This is a project that will benefit all of the club’s teams, said the president, “in order to maintain and improve their positions of excellence and their sporting successes”.

In finishing, Bartomeu spoke of his pride in the construction of the project, saying that “we are building the Espai Barça with transparency and looking after the environment, for persons with reduced mobility and for the benefit of our immediate surroundings”.

Daringly but sensibly

Director of the Espai Barça commission Jordi Moix also lended his thoughts on the project.

"We want to make the New Palau daringly, but also sensibly and with common sense. The first thing we ask is that the atmosphere of the current Palau is maintained."

In addition, Moix stated that, given that the New Palau is being built on the site of the current Miniestadi both the New Miniestadi and the New Palau are overlapping projects

Therefore, until the New Miniestadi is built, work will not begin on the New Palau, which is scheduled for 2017. He also said that selling the naming rights of the stadium could fund the project.

Bartomeu to The New York Times: We must make La Liga more competitive

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Josep Maria Bartomeu during the interview / GERMÁN PARGA - FCB
In an interview with the well-known American newspaper, the FC Barcelona president explained the Club's global strategy and his hopes to make the domestic competition stronger

FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu spoke to The New York Times to discuss the first team, the club’s growth around the world and La Liga as a whole.

The president discussed in length a variety of topics with esteemed journalist Rob Hughes for the interview which was published online on Tuesday and will be released in Wednesday’s newspaper.

Strengthening La Liga

The president spoke of the English Premier League and how it is the most appealing league in the world, “especially in the American and Asian markets,” something he would like to change.

In order to do so, he believes the key is to strengthen the rest of the Spanish top division, but not simply by giving handouts.

“It is not a gift to smaller clubs, but rather an investment to strengthen La Liga. All clubs will benefit from this.”

“English teams, at least on the field, are not better than Barça, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus or PSG,” Bartomeu said.

He therefore explained that “we don’t fear anything in Spain. Our biggest opponent is not a single club, it is the Premier League in England.”

Global Barça

Bartomeu has always sought to make Barça a global brand. The Club has recently opened an office in New York, an FCB Escola in Inidia and Indonesia as well as recently extending its deal with UNICEF to 2020.

“Our main objective is not to gain money,” he said. “Money needs to be on the field in order to be able to win.”

More than a club

Barça is famed for being a club owned by its members, and Bartomeu was keen to stress this during the interview.

“We are a board of 21 persons, who employ, on behalf of the 140,000 socios, Messi and Neymar and Suárez, but also Iniesta, Busquets, and so on.

“Barça, we all say, is more than a club, from the players at the top to the youngest child in our academy. We have a historic memory.”

Barça’s strikers

Lastly, he spoke about Barça’s treasured front three, and in particular the fact that many questioned the decision to sign the current top scorer of La Liga.

LIVE - Presentation of the New Palau Blaugrana

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El Nou Palau Blaugrana / FCB
Attendees include President Josep Maria Bartomeu; Jordi Moix, Director of the espai Barça Comission, and the architects John Rhodes (HOK Architecture) and Eduardo Gascón (TAC Arquitectes)

Follow live the presentation of the New Palau Blaugrana which takes place at the Auditori 1899 at Camp Nou. The attendees include President Josep Maria Bartomeu; Jordi Moix, Director of the espai Barça Comission, and the architects John Rhodes (HOK Architecture) and Eduardo Gascón (TAC Arquitectes)

Ten things you need to know about the New Palau Blaugrana

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Simulation of the New Palau Blaugrana during a basketball match / FCB
The new complex will fit up to 12,000 spectators for sporting events

The New Palau Blaugrana was presented on Tuesday at the 1899 Auditorium. Here are ten things you need to know about the sporting arena.

  • Capacity to hold up to 12,000 spectators for sporting events and up to 12,500 for social and cultural events.

  • Flexible and retractable seating configuration that adapts to each use.

  • Asymmetrical design: a single seating bowl and an extension at the back of the stands overlooking the stadium..

  • Specific features for each professional section and excellent views from all seats.

  • Spacious, easily accessible and fully adapted for persons with reduced mobility.

  • Food and hospitality services. 24 VIP boxes and four 4 skybars/lounges with court views.

  • The 'bowl effect' of the tier will bring fans closer to the question.

  • The New Palau Blaugrana will include an adjacent court with a capacity for up to 2,000 spectators, an ice rink fitting 800 fans and the FCBEscola facilities, with two football pitches.

  • Maximum energy efficiency and environmental sustainability will be applied throughout its construction.

  • Work on the New Palau Blaugrana is expected to start during the 2017/18 season and will conclude during the 2019/20 campaign.


NEW PALAU BLAUGRANA: The project por fcbarcelona

FC Barcelona and Leo Messi nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards 2016

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The candidates for the Laureus World Sports Awards as well as the Team of the Year/ LAUREUS
The Club won the Team of the Year Award in 2012 while the Argentine is up for the Sportsman of the Year prize for the fifth time

FC Barcelona and Leo Messi have been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards 2016.

For the fifth time in history, FC Barcelona has been nominated for the Sports Award for Team of the Year, which it won in 2012, as well as the Spirit of Sport Award in 2007.

After winning five trophies out of a possible six in 2015, Laureus have again nominated the Catalan club, along with the All Blacks (New Zealand national rugby team), the Golden State Warriors (basketball, United States), the British Davis Cup team (tennis), the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team (Germany), and the United States national women’s football team.

Leo Messi has been nominated for the Sportsman of the Year Award for the fifth time. The Ballon d’Or winner will be running against athlete Usain Bolt, basketball player Stephen Curry, tennis player Novak Djokovic, race car driver Lewis Hamilton, and golfer Jordan Spieth.

Luis Enrique’s comments

“This Laureus Awards nomination is in recognition of the great season that the team had. It was an amazing year in which we achieved almost all of our objectives through a combination of the effort, commitment, and skill of a group of players who are the unquestioned deliverers of this success. I'm very proud of what was achieved, above all for having helped bring happiness to so many FC Barcelona fans. Winning five of the six titles, including the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first club to twice win the treble, and ending the year with the Club World Cup title fulfilled all of our dreams. The memory of these successes motivates us to continue working with the same effort and intensity needed to try to repeat them."

Leo Messi’s comments

"It is an honour and a source of pride to once again be nominated for Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards. As a team, we had an excellent 2015, achieving many of the goals we set out for ourselves. This nomination, both individually and for the club, gives extra motivation to all of us to keep working hard every day and to achieve even more."

Camp Nou a choice setting for corporate events during Mobile World Congress

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The FC Barcelona Museum was one of the places where receptions were held. / FCB
The Stadium hosted more that 20 events during the week, an 80% increase over the year before

Barcelona, as a modern city that offers endless possibilities for innovative events, is already one of the world's leading destinations for business meetings. And part of that range of options includes FC Barcelona, which can offer outstanding corporate experiences with Camp Nou as a centrepiece.

During the recent GSMA Mobile World Congress 2016, which was held between 22 and 26 February in Barcelona, the stadium saw an 80% increase — compared to the same period in 2015 — in the number of companies that chose the club's facilities for a wide array of events, including corporate dinners and visits.

During the MWC, a total of 1,721 people visited the Club's installations to participate in various events, well above the 1,029 who did so last year. Top multinational entities such as Gatorade, Unicef and Beko chose to hold events at Camp Nou during the five-day Congress. But the market with the biggest growth is China, with OPPO playing a prominent role. In total, the Camp Nou hosted as many as 21 different events, double the number held in the previous edition.

Although company events and receptions, as well as exclusive visits and gala dinners were the main activities during the week of the MWC, the versatility of Camp Nou accommodates an even broader range of activities in the summer months, making the Stadium one of Barcelona's most unique, exclusive and versatile attractions. Corporate VIP Tours and on-the-field dinners, as well as grandstand presentations are just some of the many services offered by the club.

Euroleague President cites New Palau Blaugrana as sign of FC Barcelona's commitment

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Jordi Bertomeu (left) with Josep Maria Bartomeu and Jordi Moix at the presentation of the New Palau Blaugrana. / SANTIAGO GARCÉS - FCB
Jordi Bertomeu explains how the Espai Barça project is faithful to the Club's long-standing model of transparency

Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu, who was one of the attendees at Monday night's presentation of the New Palau Blaugrana held in the Auditorium 1899 at Camp Nou, could barely contain his excitement.

"Years ago we talked with the Club about the need to improve the Palau Blaugrana. Now, everyone is happy," he told Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.com.

For Bertomeu, the presentation of the New Palau Blaugrana went even deeper. "It shows both the ambition and vision of the Club as well as the determination and credibility of a Board that is committed to making this project a reality."

Bertomeu also wanted to highlight the exceptional relationship between FC Barcelona and the Euroleague.

"The Club has always been clear and transparent with us, and we appreciate that. The Euroleague is there to help all the teams involved, not to get in the way," he said.

ESPAI BARÇA All information


Make your story leave its mark with #Airmax

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Aleix Font design the new Air Max / FCB
The young athletes of FC Barcelona have already been able to do it by inspiring themselves in the best moments of their careers to design their new sneakers

It’s true. The headline could not be any clearer. To celebrate Air Max Day, the young athletes of FC Barcelona had the opportunity to design their new Air Max iD inspiring themselves in the most important moments of their careers. Some unforgettable moments that would be represented in their sneakers. The headline is now even clearer.

Alexia Putellas, the women’s football team captain, was clear: the day she came back to play for Barça. Seungwoo Lee, youth football team striker, didn’t have any trouble deciding either: he chose the day that a talent scout offered him to join FC Barcelona. “We were playing a tournament in South Africa and the FC Barcelona scout offered me the chance to join the team. This moment was unbelievable”, said Seungwoo Lee. Every player told their story. Every player told that moment that marked a turning point in their career.

Customize your Air Max

Aleix Font remembered the day he started playing for the National Spanish Basketball Team. Noel De Cerro, pole vaulter, shared how it feels to win a gold medal in the Youth Olympic Games. Some emotive stories, like Wilfrid Kaptoum’s, when he decided to leave his country, Cameroon, to live his dream. Or some stories of overcoming like the Álex Carbonell’s, a striker of the FC Barcelona Youth Team A, when he fought to join his favorite team.

Those moments were useful for the Nike Sneaker Experts to advise them to create their models, helping them to choose the materials and colors that reflected best each story. Designs that represent values and claims like Grow Wild, by Andrea Wash, player of the women’s volleyball team. Designs that inspire. Designs to honor sneakers that are part of the history. Join Air Max Day on March 26th and honor yourself with one of the most remarkable icons of sneaker culture.

What's happening on the weekend of March 5 and 6

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March 5 and 6 bring yet another weekend packed with sporting action at FC Barcelona / FCB
The football team are off to Eibar this weekend, while here’s a reminder of what the other professional sports teams are up to

There’s plenty going at FC Barcelona this weekend with three different sports at the Palau Blaugrana, and Barça B in action at the Miniestadi.

The only professional team that doesn’t have a fixture is the women’s football team, as the league has taken a break for international matches. Here’s the schedule (all times CET).

Friday 4 March

8.00pm FUTSAL Levante v FC Barcelona Lassa

Barça are four points off the top of the LNFS and after thumping the leaders Inter Movistar 7-1 last week now travel to Valencia.

Saturday 5 March

4.00pm U19 FOOTBALL FC Barcelona v Gimnàstic Tarragona

Gabri’s side, fourth in their division, are looking for a third win in a row.

6.30pm FOOTBALL FC Barcelona B v Villarreal B

A duel of reserve teams, with the team currently leading Division 2B Group 3 coming to the Miniestadi.

8.30pm HANDBALL FC Barcelona Lassa v Rhein Neckar

The final game of the Champions League group stage. Barça are top of their group, and as long as they avoid defeat to the Germans will go straight into the quarter finals without having to deal with a playoff.

Sunday 6 March

11.30am ROLLER HOCKEY FC Barcelona Lassa v Liceo

The new Copa del Rey champions now have the first leg of the European League quarter final against another of the top teams in the Spanish championship.

4.00pm FOOTBALL Eibar v FC Barcelona

Barça are eight points clear at the top of La Liga, and after beating Rayo midweek now go on the road again, this time to the Basque Country.

6.00pm BASKETBALL FC Barcelona Lassa v Unicaja Màlaga

Barça are 19-2 and top of the Liga Endesa, and after suffering a big defeat in European play in Russia on Thursday, they now travel to mid-table Malaga (10-11).

FC Barcelona host screening of film honouring Kocsis, Kubala and Czibor

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Those in attendance gathered for a group photo / GERMÁN PARGA - FCB
Vice president Carles Vilarrubí and director Silvio Elías speak of the Hungarian’s influence at the 1899 Auditorium

The 1899 Auditorium on Monday hosted the screening of the film which pays tribute to FC Barcelona’s special Hungarian trio of Kocsis, Kubala and Czibor.

The event, which was organised in collaboration with the Consulate of Hungary, gathered a huge crowd inside the auditorium.

In attendance were a number of important figures; Club vice president Carles Vilarrubí and directors Silvio Elías and Pau Vilanova; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, László Szabó; Hungary's ambassador in Madrid, Enikő Győri; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Institutional Relations and Transparency, Raul Romeva; Consulate General of Hungary in Barcelona, Barnabás Kovács; director of the film Tibor Kocsis and relatives of Kocsis, Kubala and Czibor themselves.

A number of Hungarian media channels were also present, such as Sport 1TV, Magyar Idők and M4. They all met before the event to visit the club museum and the Espai Barça Exhibition as well as taking a photo together in front of Kubala’s statue in the Camp Nou courtyard.

In this film by Tibor Kocsis, the star trio of Kubala, Czibor and Kocsis are remembered, among others, by their children and former colleagues, as well as highlights of key moments and matches.

During the 1950s, FC Barcelona had a dream team spearheaded by a supremely talented Hungarian by the name of Lászlo Kubala, who had it all. The team of the five cups (1951-53), led by Kubala, made a new stadium an absolute must.

Later, in 1958, the club signed another two Hungarian geniuses: Sándor Kocsis and Zoltán Czibor, who quickly earned a place in the hearts of the Barça faithful.

Carles Vilarrubí, FC Barcelona vice-president:

"In these moments of success and worldwide recognition of our club, it is only fair that we pay tribute to those who have helped us get to where we are today. Kubala, Czibor and Kocsis, in their time, were essential in increasing the fans’ love for our team. They came from Hungary, fought with pride and commitment for Barça and were loved by the fans."

Sílvio Elías, FC Barcelona director:

“It has now been over 60 years since the Messi of that time arrived at Barça, Kubala. And later, with Kocsis and Czibor, came the trident of the 1950s. They were difficult years both here and in Hungary, but we welcomed them and we were rewarded in a sporting and human aspect. They were good people and they wanted to integrate. They stayed with us and now here are their descendants. "

Become part of the biggest virtual stadium in the world and win two tickets for the Clásico

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Two tickets for the Clásico
FC Barcelona launch a campaign to support the team for the upcoming Barça v Real Madrid game on 2 April and a trip to see the match for two people will be given away in a prize draw

There is less than a month to go for the Clásico and Barça want to fill the stadium. But we are not just talking about Camp Nou, but also the biggest virtual stadium in the world, with room for the millions of fans who will be excitedly following the game. In order to do that, the Club is launching a campaign for football fans around the world who wish to show their support for FC Barcelona. It is just one way of backing Luis Enrique’s team ahead of the emotion packed duel against Real Madrid on 2 April at Camp Nou.

Furthermore, those who take part in the campaign will have the chance to witness the action first hand. Being a Barça fan has its rewards, in this particular case, a trip for two people to Barcelona to see the Clásico in person. Amongst all those who join the campaign to support the first team, a unique prize will be drawn and the lucky winner will receive:

  • Return airline tickets from the airport closest to the winner’s place of residence for the winner and one other person to Barcelona
  • Two match tickets for the Clásico
  • Two tickets for the Camp Nou Experience
  • A night in a hotel in Barcelona
  • All travelling expenses from Barcelona airport to the hotel

Taking part is easy, you simply have to visit this link (https://promo.fcbarcelona.com/win-two-tickets-for-el-clasico ), fill in the required fields and click on the button to take part. Invite friends to take part and use the hashtag #ClasicoFCB on social networks to increase the chances of winning. The campaign starts on Monday 7 March and will run to 20 March.

Win 2 tickets for El Clásico

FC Barcelona announces sponsorship agreement with SHB in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

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Do Quang Hien, Chairman of SHB (left) poses with FC Barcelona's Asia Pacific Managing Director, Xavier Asensi.
The Club and Saigon–Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank agree on sponsorship deal covering three southeast Asian countries

On 8 March 2016 in Hanoi, FC Barcelona unveiled a sponsorship agreement with Saigon – Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (known as SHB), the top 5 Private Commercial Banks in Vietnam. This agreement will make SHB the first and only banking partner of FC Barcelona in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and enable SHB to open various business opportunities in retail sector in the territories, and bring the club closer to the Vietnamese Barça fans.

A signing ceremony was held in Melia Hanoi Hotel today. Xavier Asensi, Asia-Pacific Managing Director, attended the event in representation of FC Barcelona, while SHB was represented by Chairman Do Quang Hien and CEO Nguyen Van Le. The ceremony also received the participation of the Representative of Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) – Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan, Vice President, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Gu, Vice President, as well as the coach of local football team SHB Da Nang Football Club, Mr. Le Huynh Duc.

Strategic partnership for SHB and FC Barcelona

With this partnership begins, SHB and FCB will cooperate to expand the Barça fan base in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. SHB also aims at opening up great business opportunities in retail sector through the development of co-branded cards in the territories. In the time to come, SHB will organize exchange and fan activities in the territories as well as bringing the local Barça fans to Camp Nou, contributing to build the foundation of culture, tradition and Barça spirit we found in millions of our fans.

Statement by Manel Arroyo, FC Barcelona Vice president, Marketing and Communication department

“The signing of this new regional sponsorship deal reaffirms our interest in increasing our presence in this continent and also reflects how our Club is gaining notable levels of popularity in this strategic zone, which is encouraging us to continue focusing our presence in Southeast Asia. The agreement with SHB also means a partnership with a highly prestigious entity and will be the vehicle for the name and colours of FC Barcelona to spread to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. FC Barcelona’s experience shows that football is a driver that generates cooperation and success, and hand in hand with SHB, we hope to achieve major social objectives.”

Statement by Xavier Asensi, FC Barcelona Asia Pacific Managing Director:

“We are so happy to have SHB as our first ever bank partner in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Through partnering with SHB, we will be closer to the 90 million Vietnamese, including a growing fan community. SHB is young and taking up the leading part in the industry; while FCB is deep-rooted and has been successful in defending the glory. I do believe that the collaboration between these two different but yet, similar entities will create a huge buzz and synergy.”

SHB, a dynamic bank

SHB has become one of the leading urban banks in Vietnam with the image of a dynamic, modern, and efficient bank after establishment from 23 years ago. By the end of 2015, SHB total assets reached more than VND 205,000 billion, charter capital of nearly VND 9,500 billion with 7,000 employees and transaction network of more than 500 points all over Vietnam and overseas. Not only having an extensive presence in Vietnam, SHB is currently the second Vietnamese private Bank which opened a 100% foreign capital Bank in Laos in January 2016. Along with 4 branches operating in Cambodia, the reputation and financial capacity of SHB have been appreciated in Indochina. SHB has always actively participated in social and charity activities making great contributions to the development of the community, especially sports.

Statement by Do Quang Hien, Chairman of SHB:

"The partnership between SHB and FC Barcelona may be considered a perfect cooperation of the leaders. SHB and FC Barcelona share the commons in brand and development philosophy on the road to success, the objective of sustainable development and the desire of devoting to fans and customers. SHB is proud to be the first and only partner bank of FC Barcelona in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. This is not only a business opportunity for SHB but firstly it is for a large number of football fans in particular, sports fans in general. Customers are now able to see, feel, and more easily access to their idols daily, hourly ... when using and enjoying benefits of Barça – SHB co-branded card and banking products. Moreover, this is also an opportunity for SHB to contribute to the promotion of a beautiful, peaceful, hospitable, dynamic and deeply imbued with the culture Vietnam all over the world.”

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