Barcelona coach Vilanova to step down, president says

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is to step down due to ill health with immediate effect as he continues his battle with throat cancer, president Sandro Rosell said on Friday.

Barcelona's coach Tito Vilanova smiles during a news conference after a training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi

Vilanova, 44, would be undergoing treatment that meant he will be unable to continue in his current role, Rosell said at a news conference.

Barca would probably announce the appointment of a new coach early next week, he added.

(Writing by Iain Rogers in Madrid, editing by Alan Baldwin)