Barca audit uncovers big 2009/10 loss

BARCELONA - An audit of Barcelona's accounts by new president Sandro Rosell has uncovered a post-tax loss of 77.1 million euros ($99.5 million) for the 2009-10 season compared with a net profit of 11 million reported in June by the previous board of directors.

The loss, which the La Liga champion said was the first in seven years, highlights the financial state of many Spanish clubs, with even wealthy Barca - second behind Real Madrid in the latest ranking of the richest clubs by revenue by accounting firm Deloitte - slipping into the red.

The new Barca audit, conducted by Deloitte, showed operating income of 408.9 million euros and costs of 477.9 million compared with previous figures published under former president Joan Laporta of 445.5 million income and 429 million costs, the club said on its website on Tuesday.