Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, tested positive ahead of the team's trip to Linares for the Copa del Rey. The president had been in contact with some infected people, so he isolated himself and took an antigen test, which was negative. Later, in a PCR test, he found out he was positive.

"Due to the fact that he has been in direct contact with people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last few hours, this morning - on 4th January - president Joan Laporta underwent an antigen test which was negative and, in the afternoon, a PCR test which was positive," reads the text issued by the Catalan side.

"For this reason, he will not travel with the team to Linares, this Wednesday, or to Granada, next Saturday, and will remain confined as indicated by the health authorities. The president is well and without any symptoms. First vice-president Rafael Yuste has tested negative in the PCR test, but, as a precaution, he will not travel to Linares on Wednesday with the first football team", it continues.

The coronavirus is affecting Barcelona, where not only the president but also several players have also tested positive, which has reduced Xavi Hernández's chances. The coach did, however, manage to secure victory in the league game against Mallorca. It was thanks to a goal from Luuk de Jong.