Laporta: Barcelona will launch their own NFTs and cryptocurrency soon

CEO 

Joan Laporta

has announced that the club intends to establish its own cryptocurrency and sell a series of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). 

Since Laporta's re-election in March 2021, several cryptocurrency firms have contacted Barca about a possible relationship. 

Barcelona president claims that they have declined those approaches in favor of building their own in-house digital currency, emphasizing the need of being "creative" to create more cash outside of sport.

The club is currently taking measures to establish a metaverse packed with digital assets exclusive to the Blaugrana trademark, as Laporta presented his plan at the

Mobile World Congress

in Barcelona this week. 

"We're developing our own metaverse, [which is why] we rejected the chance to be associated with any cryptocurrency enterprises," said the 59-year-old.

"We want to create our own cryptocurrency and we have to do that ourselves. We are different because we survive financially from what we can generate through the industry of sport.

"We do not have big corporations or shareholders behind us. That forces us to be imaginative, innovative, brave and be a step ahead in many areas that surround the sports industry."

Barca announced record-breaking debts of over €1 billion shortly after Laporta's restoration at Camp Nou, and have subsequently had to shed a number of first-team players to decrease their salary cost, including all-time top goalscorer

. 

The

powerhouse are currently looking at methods to monetize the club's global fan base in order to improve their financial situation, with Laporta commenting on their cryptocurrency initiative:

"It's something we can share with our fans around the world -- around 300 million of them. I could announce something else, but I have to be prudent because it's confidential still.

"The players know what we're working on, that this is a modern club that makes use of new media. There are clauses in their contracts related to the NFT world and the metaverse.

“We want to generate new opportunities for growth. Our goal is to win titles and to make our fans happy, but we also have to profit from opportunities in the sports industry. 

"It is a matter of survival.”

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