Barcelona terminates contract of Andoni Zubizarreta as director of football

Barcelona has made a surprising move in the front office - one which is likely tied to the transfer ban that was recently upheld against the club.

Zubizarreta, a former Spanish international and Barcelona goalkeeper, had held the post since 2010, when he replaced Txiki Begiristain.

The move comes amid controversy and criticism surrounding the club's transfer dealings, not the least of which has to do with the one-year transfer ban imposed by FIFA - and recently upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport - for violating regulations relating to the signings of youth players.