Barcelona wins lawsuit against French newspaper

The newspaper claimed to have seen handwritten notes by Eufemiano Fuentes in which the doctor laid out preparation plans.

French newspaper Le Monde was found guilty of defamation on Tuesday for suggesting FC Barcelona was linked to a doctor involved in one of cycling's biggest doping scandals. The Barcelona court fined Le Monde euro300,000 ($447,243) for the story written by Stephane Menard. Le Monde must also publish a copy of the court's sentence in its newspaper and in digital format. Barcelona said in a statement that it was satisfied with the judge's decision. Le Monde, which can appeal the decision, would not comment on the case.

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The newspaper claimed in the December 2006 article to have seen handwritten notes by Eufemiano Fuentes in which the doctor laid out what the newspaper described as "preparation plans" for Barcelona and Spanish champion Real Madrid.

The newspaper also linked Valencia and Real Betis to Fuentes, one of five people initially arrested for his part in Operation Puerto _ Spain's biggest doping investigation.

Fuentes refused to reveal whether or not he worked with Barcelona or any of the other clubs.