FC Barcelona, also known as
Barça, is a sports club in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain with
sections in many different sports. Founded in 1899 by a
group of twelve, led by Joan Gamper, its motto is "Barça is
more than a club" (El Barça és més que un club). Its main
stadium is the Camp Nou, Barcelona.
Although its football team had been struggling from roughly
2000 through 2003, it and long-standing rival Real Madrid
remain the most representative teams of Spain. FC Barcelona
fans are also called culés.
Barça are also known for their reletless refusal to allow
sponsor logos on their football shirts. This is due to the
fact that Barça is seen as a symbol of Catalonia, and any
offer of sponsorship of "intrusive nature" will be turned
down. Even their kit manufacturer, Nike's swoosh was
controversial. However, Barça has accepted a sponsor's logo
on their basketball jerseys. |
