Doping claims nothing to do with Real, say Barcelona

Barcelona are satisfied that reports linking them to doping practices have nothing to do with bitter rivals Real Madrid.

The Catalan giants are considering legal action against radio station Cadena Cope for insinuations made during a broadcast on Sunday night, and have been contacted by the president of their great rivals, Florentino Perez, insisting that no one at Real had anything to do with Cadena Cope's report.

Toni Freixa, a spokesman for the Barcelona board, told marca.com: "The president of Madrid has already contacted us to say that the club has nothing to do with this information.

"(Barcelona president Sandro) Rosell has no reason to disbelieve him.

"These reports are a serious blow to the reputation of Barcelona, their doctors and athletes."

The club said in a statement yesterday: "FC Barcelona is demanding an immediate rectification and wishes to let it be known that its legal department is studying possible legal action to defend the club's honour, alongside that of its coaching staff, players and medical staff and is prepared to take such action to its final consequences."