Barça members will no longer be able to travel with the team

The members and fans of FC Barcelona will no longer have the privilege of being able to travel on the same plane as the first team squad.

Until now, those members and fans that requested to do so, were able to share the journey with the players, coaches and directors of the club.

FC Barcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner, head of the social are of the club, confirmed the news during his press conference on Tuesday, in which he presented his analysis of the past season.

He said: "Next season, the first team will travel alone, without fans on the plane. This is being done because those responsible of the first team feel it is the best option.

"That said, we should bear in mind that there is no elite team that still travels with the fans.

"It is the result of the professionalisation of football."

When pressed on the issue, Cardoner commented:

"The club is not against the proximity of the members with the first team, and this is why those who use the trips that the club organises, will have different advantages, including the possibility of attending first team training sessions at the Sant Joan Despi training complex.

"We want members to feel comfortable travelling with FC Barcelona."

Regarding the economic cost of this decision, Cardoner noted there would be no change, due to the new agreement signed with the 'Viajes Halcon' travel company, and a series of changes in the journeys:

"There will be no economic impact in this decision.

"Apart from renewing the 'Viajes Halcon' contract, we will travel in planes with 120 places instead of 180.

"This will decrease the cost for us, but also give us greater flexibility in flight times."