Accusations of embezzlement and dishonest administration have thrust a former Barcelona president into the spotlight, following a formal complaint by Joan Laporta.
Current president Joan Laporta has been vocal about rectifying the financial mismanagement that has strained the club’s resources, and a recent legal development underscores the severity of these concerns.
The focus now shifts to a high-profile figure from Barcelona’s past, whose actions are under intense scrutiny.
According to El Mundo, former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has been charged by Barcelona’s 16th court following a complaint filed by Laporta in 2022.
The charges stem from allegations of suspicious financial dealings during Bartomeu’s tenure, with the court summoning him to appear on October 24.
Bartomeu faces accusations of dishonest administration, embezzlement, and accounting manipulation, centered on transactions that allegedly cost the club approximately €30 million.
Laporta’s complaint highlights several contentious dealings, including commissions of up to 33% funneled through shell companies and a 10% commission tied to Malcom’s transfer, secured via a post-transfer contract.
Additionally, Bartomeu is accused of authorizing a €1.7 million payment to lawyer Gonzalez Franco to settle the Neymar case and a €15 million payment to Atletico Madrid to avoid legal action over negotiations with Antoine Griezmann while he was under contract.
These transactions have raised significant concerns, particularly given Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges.
This is not Bartomeu’s first brush with controversy.
His presidency was marred by financial and administrative scandals, including his involvement in the Negreira case, which led to prior hearings over questionable financial decisions.
The charges now leveled against him reflect a broader effort by Laporta to address the financial toll of past mismanagement.
As Barcelona continues to navigate its economic recovery, the outcome of Bartomeu’s October 24 court appearance will be closely watched, potentially shaping the club’s path toward stability and transparency in its governance.
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