Cruyff stripped of honorary Barcelona title

Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has been stripped of his title of honorary president of the Catalan club following the takeover of Sandro Rosell on Thursday.

Cruyff was given the title in April by former president Joan Laporta, but Rosell argued in his election campaign that the decision was undemocratic, claiming the club members (socios) should have been given the right to vote on such an appointment.

And Rosell, who secured a landslide election victory on June 13 and took over officially on Thursday, has moved quickly to strip Cruyff of the title.

"On March 26 the board agreed to name Cruyff president of honour, but article 16 only contemplates members of honour," Toni Freixa, a spokesman for the new Barcelona board of directors told local media.

"It does not fit in with the statutes and they would have to be modified to contemplate such a figure."

Barca's socios will now have the chance to vote on whether they want a president of honour and if so, who it should be.

However, Cruyff will be recognised one way or another.

"Cruyff is a member of honour and a Barcelona legend. He will be recognised, as will all ex-players," Freixa added.