Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is handing Robert Fernandez greater powers.

Robert has been acting as first team manager, but is now to have his role expanded to becoming the club's sporting director.

The former Barca player will be in control of all sectors of the football club, overseeing the hiring and firing of coaching and playing staff.

Robert is also due to be handed a new contract in the coming weeks.

The decision, reports AS, was confirmed at yesterday's board meeting, which also saw the announcement of Ernesto Valverde as new coach.