Barcelona Fires Back at Explosive Joan Laporta Accusations as Election Drama Intensifies
Barcelona have denounced the "clearly fabricated" recent allegations of financial misconduct against former president Joan Laporta, asserting the charges could represent an "improper effort" to influence the club's democratic electoral process.
A legal complaint was filed against Laporta on Friday, charging the Spaniard with money laundering, tax evasion and criminal organization during his tenure as Barcelona president. According to El Periodico, a complete set of 38 supporting documents were submitted to the duty court of the Central Court of First Instance of the National Court in Madrid.
The complainant, an unidentified Barcelona member, centered their allegations around the club receiving "improper commissions" that were subsequently laundered through "apparently legitimate enterprises." At the forefront of the purported illegal dealings are the Catalans' partnership agreement with Nike and the redevelopment of the new Camp Nou.
The serious complaint also implicated several senior executives alongside Laporta, including interim president Rafa Yuste, who assumed the position during the club's electoral proceedings.
Barcelona Support Laporta—And Threaten Significant Counter-Action
Barcelona Support Laporta—And Threaten Significant Counter-Action
Barcelona issued an official statement rejecting the shocking allegations, stating the club had previously examined the complaint in January, before its public disclosure, and determined it to be "unrealistic and false," likely based on "fabricated or severely altered documentation."
The Spanish club then informed journalists and the Organized Crime & Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) that the allegations were "completely and utterly false, and that the documents upon which they claimed it was founded (without having examined them) were certainly false and/or manipulated."
Barcelona then made it emphatically clear that should the legal system determine the complaints to be false, they would promptly pursue legal action against the complainant and possibly against the media outlet that published the allegations.
The club also vowed to "respond with complete firmness and determination against any media organizations and/or persons who present as truth information that is completely false."
How the Allegations Impact Barcelona's Presidential Campaign
How the Allegations Impact Barcelona's Presidential Campaign
Currently, the matter is in the custody of the National Court and will await subsequent action. Once a judge is appointed to the case, it becomes their choice whether to move forward with an investigation or reject it.
Regardless of the court system's outcome, the allegations create a cloud of scandal over the club's presidential campaign. Laporta is seeking re-election and now faces serious criminal charges linked to his reputation that could damage his candidacy and potentially sway voters away from his campaign.
Barcelona appear concerned about this reality as well, given they addressed similar issues in their statement.
"FC Barcelona regrets that this action and publication takes place during an electoral period and believes that this action could be an improper attempt to disrupt the normal progression of the democratic process, one of the core principles of the Club, with the goal of influencing or manipulating the will of FC Barcelona members."
The club also cautioned potential candidates about the "ramifications of utilizing false reports and information" in the electoral campaign.