BARCELONA, Spain - Barcelona has exercised a two-year option to extend sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta's contract with the Spanish champions until June 2013.

Barcelona says it had until June 15 to renew the deal under the terms of the original contract.

Zubizarreta arrived at the club with incoming president Sandro Rossell on July 1. Current players Javier Mascherano, Adriano and Ibrahim Afellay were signed by Zubizarreta, a former Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Spain goalkeeper.

Barcelona is closing in on a third straight Spanish league title. The Catalan team plays Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final and then again in a two-legged Champions League semifinal series.