Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has once again been drawn into legal battles after being summoned by the 16th court of Barcelona. The move follows complaints filed by current president Joan Laporta, accusing Bartomeu of embezzlement, mismanagement, and causing financial harm to the club during his tenure.
According to court documents, Bartomeu is alleged to have mishandled funds that resulted in damages estimated at €13 million. He has been ordered to appear in court on October 24, where he will formally respond to the accusations.
The legal pressure on Bartomeu comes at a time when Barcelona are still grappling with financial challenges and reputational damage from past controversies. This case is expected to further intensify scrutiny on how the club was run under his presidency.
Josep Maria Issues a Strong Rebuttal
In response to the fresh accusations, Bartomeu released a written statement firmly denying any wrongdoing. He categorically rejected the complaints brought forward by Laporta and insisted that his record as Barcelona president is being unfairly misrepresented.
Josep Maria emphasized that he has already faced judicial investigations in the past and has always cooperated fully with the authorities. His rebuttal underlines his determination to defend his reputation and challenge what he considers to be “unfounded claims” made against him.
The former president also argued that much of the public narrative around his tenure has been shaped by politics within the club, rather than verified evidence of financial misconduct.
Clarification on the Neymar 2 Case
Josep Maria used his statement to directly address several high-profile cases associated with his presidency, starting with the Neymar 2 case. He clarified that he was tried before the regional court in Barcelona and ultimately acquitted of all charges.
The Neymar 2 case involved allegations of irregularities in the transfer deal that brought the Brazilian forward to Camp Nou. Bartomeu stressed that the court ruling in his favor should put to rest any lingering doubts about his involvement.
By referencing the Neymar case, Bartomeu sought to remind the public that accusations alone do not equal guilt and that judicial processes have already cleared him of wrongdoing in several instances.
Revisiting the Barçagate and Negreira Cases
The former Barcelona president also revisited the Barçagate scandal, in which he was arrested in March 2021. Bartomeu recalled that despite his arrest, he was immediately released and that from the outset, he expressed his willingness to testify voluntarily.
Bartomeu further addressed the controversial Negreira case, which has dominated headlines in Spain. He explained that he complied with all judicial proceedings and gave his statement to investigators in March 2023. According to him, his cooperation is evidence of his transparency and commitment to legal accountability.
Both scandals severely impacted Barcelona’s reputation, yet Bartomeu maintains that he handled the cases with honesty and without obstructing justice. He framed these experiences as proof that he has nothing to hide.
Josep Maria Rejects Personal Gain Allegations
One of the central themes in Bartomeu’s statement was his rejection of claims that he personally benefited financially during his time as president. He insisted that he never sought personal profit from his position and that all decisions made during his tenure were in the interest of the club.
He argued that the financial difficulties Barcelona currently face cannot be traced solely to his administration. Instead, he suggested that external factors and structural issues within the football industry have played a larger role in the club’s economic crisis.
Josep Maria also reminded the public that he offered his cooperation to the judiciary as soon as he became aware of the investigation in December 2023, highlighting his proactive stance in addressing legal matters.
An “Exceptional and Unprecedented” Situation
Concluding his statement, Bartomeu described his current predicament as both “exceptional” and “unprecedented.” He emphasized that he now finds himself entangled in multiple legal proceedings without, in his view, any concrete evidence of personal misconduct.
For Bartomeu, the overlapping investigations have placed him in a unique position, one that he argues no former Barcelona president has experienced to this extent. He reiterated his readiness to collaborate fully with the justice system to bring clarity to all accusations.
As the October 24 court date approaches, the tension between Bartomeu and Laporta continues to reflect deeper divisions within Barcelona’s leadership. The outcome of these proceedings will not only impact Bartomeu’s legacy but could also shape the club’s governance narrative for years to come.
