Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has once again found himself in troubled waters, as the 16th court of Barcelona has summoned him following complaints filed by current president Joan La...
Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has once again found himself in troubled waters, as the 16th court of Barcelona has summoned him following complaints filed by current president Joan Laporta.
Bartomeu was also accused of mishandling funds and causing damages worth €13 million to the club. He has been summoned to court on October 24.
However, the former Barcelona president has issued a rebuttal to each and every complaint filed against him.
Barteomeu’s response to complaint filings
In his note, Bartomeu began by clarifying his position in the Neymar 2 case, stating that he was tried before the regional court in Barcelona and ultimately acquitted, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Regarding the Barçagate case, he recalled his arrest in March 2021 but underlined that he was released immediately. He added that from the very beginning, he had expressed his willingness to testify voluntarily.
Regarding the Negreira case, Bartomeu emphasised that he complied with judicial proceedings when summoned, providing his statement in March 2023.
Bartomeu has issued several clarifications regarding ongoing cases. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The former president also referred to the complaint filed by Joan Laporta, which in recent days has led to further scrutiny of his management.
Bartomeu said that when he learned through the media in December 2023 of the opening of a judicial investigation, he immediately offered his cooperation to both the public prosecution and the judiciary.
Bartomeu went on to stress that he did not receive any personal financial benefit during his tenure as president.
He reiterated his readiness to collaborate fully with the justice system in order to clarify all matters related to his time at the helm of the club.
Bartomeu described his current situation as “exceptional” and perhaps even “unprecedented,” emphasising that he now finds himself involved in multiple legal cases without, in his view, any direct accusations or evidence of personal exploitation.
Category: General Sports
