Former president of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, filed a letter with Investigation Court No. 16 in Barcelona this Thursday, offering to clarify allegations of improper payments that could amount to as much as 200 million euros, with 30 million euros currently under investigation. The letter, obtained by El Periòdic of the Prensa Ibérica group, indicates Bartomeu’s willingness to cooperate and to provide information that could help illuminate the matter while remaining mindful of the trial process and the complaint filed by the public ministry against him and another individual, though the possibility of expanding the charge remains open. The reasons behind the case are not disclosed. On December 7, Mossos d’Esquadra searched Barça’s offices seeking relevant information, seizing invoices and other documents.
In the same letter, Bartomeu, represented by criminal attorney José María Fuster-Fabra, recalls learning on February 1 of last year that FC Barcelona would report detected irregularities in the audit to the prosecutor’s office and requested access to the documents provided by the club to the public ministry. He also offered to clarify every aspect of the questions surrounding his leadership of the organization. During the prior investigation, sources familiar with the matter stated that the prosecutor’s office had not been summoned to testify. Bartomeu has repeatedly denied any illegal activity. After months of inquiry, the prosecutor’s office filed a complaint with the court, which subsequently passed it to Instruction Court No. 16. Once accepted for processing, authorities logged in and registered on December 7, and a lawyer and other related figures were asked to participate. It was decided to request documents from various organizations.
Overpayments and commissions
Representatives arrived at Barça offices to request documents connected to alleged kickbacks linked to player transfers such as striker Malcolm, who signed a contract in 2018. The allegations include excessive payments to lawyers, some tied to another player, disclosure of payment splits, and the creation of companies to formalize transactions. During the public presentation of the forensic report and before the complaint was filed, the current Barça president, Joan Laporta, asserted that certain economic crime allegations were confirmed in the forensic work carried out by the Kroll agency under Bartomeu’s board. He emphasized that payments were made without justification, some payments had unfounded purposes, and a portion of the disbursements appeared disproportionate or discordant with club governance. Mossos investigators are preparing a report based on the seized documents after analysis.
Sources consulted by this outlet indicate Mossos queried the present Barça leadership regarding the signing of certain players and during player exchange operations between clubs. Investigators are examining whether kickbacks were funneled to companies created solely to invoice Barça. Weeks later, Malcolm received 10 million euros as part of his signing. The Brazilian forward, who agreed to terms with Bartomeu in the summer of 2018, paid 41 million euros to Girondins de Bordeaux. Current club managers report suspicious commissions near 5 percent, yet some figures approach 33 percent according to the inquiry.