Barcelona have denied claims of hiring an online PR company to rubbish critics - including club legends.

It was reported Barca had paid 13Ventures to cleanse the digital representation of president Josep Maria Bartomeu, as well as to disparage club legends who opposed him. However the club have vehemently denied these accusations.

In a statement, Barca said:

"Following the information released today about hiring a company dedicated to create opinion accounts on social networks to disparage the image of third parties related directly or indirectly to the club, FC Barcelona:

"1. Strongly denies any relationship and, even more, the contracting of services linked to social network accounts that have spread disparaging messages in relation to any person, entity or organisation.

"2. I3 Ventures, a partner of the club, has no link to these accounts, and if any type of relationship was proven then the club would immediately terminate the relationship and take appropriate legal action.

"3. Likewise, FC Barcelona confirms that it has contracted social network monitoring services in order to be aware of both positive and negative messages of which the club is the subject.

"4. With the hiring of these services, the club ensures the protection of its reputation, as well as that of those linked with the club.

"5. The club requires the immediate retraction of the information disseminated and reserves the right to take appropriate legal action against those who continue to link the club with this type of practice."