Spanish prosecutors accused former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu of disloyal administration on Tuesday, according to documents obtained by AFP. Bartomeu and other former club officials face allegations of making unjustified payments between 2015 and 2019. Court records indicate prosecutors claim the former president caused harm to the club by failing to meet diligence and loyalty requirements inherent to his position.
Bartomeu, who led Barcelona from 2014 to 2020, must explain alleged hidden commissions paid in transactions such as the 2018 signing of Brazil winger Malcom from Bordeaux for more than 40 million euros. Apparent irregularities also involve the Neymar transfer case and the Espai Barca stadium renovation project. Current president Joan Laporta submitted a detailed report to prosecutors this year after hiring investigators to examine previous management practices.
Barcelona has struggled financially following substantial spending under Bartomeu, who approved purchases of Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho, and Antoine Griezmann for over 400 million euros combined. Bartomeu's legal team stated he may have erred but gained no personal financial benefit from his decisions as club president.
Bartomeu, who led Barcelona from 2014 to 2020, must explain alleged hidden commissions paid in transactions such as the 2018 signing of Brazil winger Malcom from Bordeaux for more than 40 million euros. Apparent irregularities also involve the Neymar transfer case and the Espai Barca stadium renovation project. Current president Joan Laporta submitted a detailed report to prosecutors this year after hiring investigators to examine previous management practices.
Barcelona has struggled financially following substantial spending under Bartomeu, who approved purchases of Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho, and Antoine Griezmann for over 400 million euros combined. Bartomeu's legal team stated he may have erred but gained no personal financial benefit from his decisions as club president.
