By Senhan Bolelli
MADRID (AA) - Spanish La Liga club Barcelona has reportedly decided to shut down its official television channel, Barca TV, which was founded in 1996, by June 30.
The decision is said to result in the layoff of around 120 to 140 employees working at Barca TV.
According to a report from Catalonia radio RAC1, Barcelona's board of directors has informed Telefonica that the contract for Barca TV will not be extended beyond June 30.
The decision to shut down the channel is attributed to the financial difficulties faced by the club in recent years.
Despite the closure, Barcelona reportedly plans to continue some of its broadcasts via an online streaming platform with its 14 remaining employees.
*Writing by Selcuk Bugra Gokalp