Carles Alena chose to leave Barcelona for Real Betis last week without consulting management.

The midfielder moved to Betis on-loan to the end of the season - much to the disappointment of coach Ernesto Valverde.

However, Sport says Barca directors were powerless from preventing Alena leaving this month courtesy of a clause in his contract.

The option allows Alena to leave on-loan in an 'unilateral arrangement' - and he was happy to trigger it.

The decision left Valverde angry, but as it's now emerged, there was no chance of anyone at the club blocking Alena's departure.