Barcelona's boardroom turmoil continued today when vice-president Joan Franquesa handed in his resignation for "personal reasons".

Franquesa's exit follows several similarly high-level departures over the last two years, with president Joan Laporta in the final year of his tenure before next summer's elections.

In a letter to Laporta, Franquesa said: "When I joined the project in 2003 it fulfilled a dream of mine as a Barça fan.

"Today I can proudly say we have done very good job. Personally I have contributed decisively and have never spared any time or effort for the club.

"However, I am unable to continue devoting time to the club, according to my sense of responsibility which I think is required of an FC Barcelona director. The changes in my professional and personal circumstances now require all my attention.

"I thank you that in recent days you have tried to find solutions to allow me to continue with the club - but now my priorities are my recently-enlarged family and business. Therefore, I formally present my resignation."

Franquesa also moved to pre-empt speculation that his resignation stemmed from political differences, insisting his personal situation was the sole reason.