Barcelona announce increase in profits

Barcelona made a profit of around 7 million euros ($10 million) in the six months to the end of December 2009, which helped the La Liga club cope with a swelling wage bill, director general Joan Oliver said.  Preliminary figures showed revenues in the period increased by around 20 percent on the year, while the Spanish and European champions also paid out more in player win bonuses, Oliver said on the club''s website (www.fcbarcelona.com).The rise in income was due to increased stadium attendance and a gain in merchandising and sponsorship revenue, Oliver added, without giving details. Final figures would be published in the next few days, he said.