FC Barcelona and Xavi will split the cost of his release clause so he can leave his contract with Al-Sadd, according to reports. The Catalans did not want to pay money just to buy out his contract, but they saw no other option if they were to hire the manager they wanted.

The Catalans have been on the hook for over 30 million euro just for buying out contracts for managers in the past four years, including sacking their own coaches and paying release clauses for managers they wanted to hire.

The cost of the release clause is said to be five million euro. It is said that Barcelona had the money but were concerned about Financial Fair Play impact of making the payment.

So, Barcelona and Xavi will share the cost of paying the clause. In addition, Xavi will get the chance to recoup the money he paid to make the move by doing ambassadorial work for Qatar.