Adibal's liver transplant declared legal after rumours of foul play

The procedure happened in 2012 as the then-Barcelona full-back was recovering from cancer, with his cousin donating the liver tissue to enable the transplant to take place.

In June, rumours emerged that former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell had illegally acquired a liver on behalf of the Frenchman. FC Barcelona, Abidal and Rosell's lawyer all completely denied the accusation immediately.

Rosell is known to be a shady character, and is currently spending time in prison following the laundering of £13 million through tax havens between 2007 and 2011.

However, the 'ONT', Spain's national transplant organisation confirmed that the process had been carried out legally.

"Abidal was on the waiting list for a deceased donor transplant, but as his illness advanced, medical experts began to seek a live donor, which in no case excluded the possibility of a deceased donor if the opportunity presented itself." the organisation said.

"The steps were carried out in accordance with current legislation and good practice."

Abidal will now be able to continue his job as technical secretary at Barcelona, now that the rumours have been debunked.