Barcelona sack director of football Andoni Zubizarreta

Zubizarreta, who kept goal for Barcelona between 1986 and 1994, returned to the Club in July 2010 to take up the role from which he has now been fired.

A club statement read: "The FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has decided to terminate as of today the contract of the club’s director of football, Andoni Zubizarreta.

"The president, in the name of the club, thanks Andoni Zubizarreta for his contribution, dedication and professionalism over the last four years in his role at the head of the club’s football area."

Spanish daily Marca reported three days ago that Zubizarreta's days were numbered at Camp Nou after president Bartomeu lost faith in his abilities and started the search for a replacement.

Carles Puyol is the current assistant but Marca reported he is unwilling to make the step up at this stage.

Barcelona's transfer ban for 2015 could be seen as a contributing factor, but concerns over the squad built by Barca and the quality of some recent signings have also been cited as reasons for Bartomeu's decision to wield the axe.

Marca highlighted Zubizarreta's failure to solve the club's impending right-back problem with Dani Alves possibly leaving the club and replacement Douglas looking unconvincing - while the fact that summer signing Thomas Vermaelen hasn't played a game due to long-term injury has also been held against the former keeper.

On Sunday Zubizarreta had spoke out about the transfer ban, which was imposed for breaching rules on the signing of youth players: "As the director of football, I assume full accountability for my responsibilities. Mr Bartomeu is the one who knows the situation better than anyone, as he was the sporting vice-president during that time. My position is always the club’s decision."

Adrian Garcia, Eurosport Spain: "In Zubizarreta's interview yesterday he spoke against president Bartomeu, regarding the FIFA ban. In our opinion, sacking him is a strategic move by president Bartomeu. He could save his presidency with this decision. Bad transfers are another issue, especially Vermaelen this season."