Bartomeu Defends Himself: “Barcelona Cost Us Money”
The former president of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, broke his silence to defend himself and respond to the multiple judicial investigations surrounding him. The former executive was clear in stating that neither he nor his board enriched themselves during their time leading the club.
“No one on my board dipped into the cash box, and certainly not me. Barça cost us money,” said Bartomeu, who also claimed he feels persecuted over everything related to his management.
Investigations and Suspicious Payments
The former executive is being investigated over several financial operations carried out during his presidency. An audit detected suspicious payments of around 30 million euros linked to various operations and commissions related to transfers, including that of Brazilian winger Malcom, who joined FC Barcelona in a deal that later raised several administrative questions.
The investigations seek to clarify whether there were irregularities in financial dealings during Bartomeu’s tenure, especially in operations involving intermediaries and contracts tied to player signings.
The Neymar Case and Bartomeu’s Defense
One of the most delicate points is the Neymar case, as the Brazilian forward’s signing was surrounded by several irregularities when he arrived at FC Barcelona. Bartomeu explained that at the time he decided to reach an agreement with prosecutors to protect the club’s interests, even if that meant harming his own interests.
Despite the accusations, the former president insists he never obtained personal benefits and that every decision made during his mandate aimed to strengthen FC Barcelona.
“I always put the interests of Barça above my own,” said Josep Maria Bartomeu, who assured he will cooperate with authorities to clarify all doubts about his management.
The judicial process continues, and the name Josep Maria Bartomeu will likely keep generating controversy around FC Barcelona. What seems undeniable is that the Catalan club is still dealing with the economic consequences that have inevitably affected the team’s sporting performance following the decisions made during his presidency.
