Josep Maria Bartomeu has stepped down as president of Barcelona, as did the rest of the board of directors.

An election will be scheduled within the next 90 days to appoint a new president.

"It's a thought-out, serene, informed decision" to resign, Bartomeu said in a televised speech.

More than 20,000 supporters signed a petition this month for him to be removed as president after growing increasingly upset with his management of the club.

Bartomeu lost the support of Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and several other players.