Bartomeu Investigation: Malcolm Signing & Barça Espai Finances

Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, focusing on the allegations⁣ against Josep Maria Bartomeu:

* Charges: The Public Ministry accuses Bartomeu⁤ of a continued crime of unfair management, along with several of ⁢his associates who‍ were in positions of power at FC Barcelona between 2014 and 2020.
* Initiation of the case: The investigation began with a ⁤complaint filed by ⁤the current FC Barcelona president,Joan Laporta,who commissioned an economic report on Bartomeu’s management. ⁤This report was then presented to the prosecutor’s Office,leading to ⁤an investigation by the Mossos (catalan police) and ultimately a ‍formal complaint to the Barcelona Court of Instruction number 16.
* Specific Allegation – Malcom Signing (2018): One example of alleged irregular activity centers around the signing of Brazilian player Malcom for 41 million euros. After‍ the signing,‍ Elenko⁤ Sports company agreed to pay intermediaries 10 million euros. The club then agreed to pay ⁤Elenko an additional 855,600 euros for intermediation, despite⁤ not⁤ having a contract with the company. This led to additional fees and interest,causing economic damage to the club.
* Bartomeu’s Alleged Negligence: The prosecution claims Bartomeu failed to exercise due⁢ diligence and loyalty by authorizing these payments related to assets not directly belonging to him.
* Other Investigations: Bartomeu⁤ is also under investigation in two other separate cases:
‍ ‍ * “Slave” case: Concerns alleged payments made to José María Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of‍ the Spanish referees’ committee.
* “Barçagate” case: Involves payments made to companies to promote Bartomeu’s image ⁣and⁢ attack rivals during presidential campaigns.

In⁤ essence, the⁣ text details a growing legal challenge⁢ to Bartomeu’s leadership of‍ FC Barcelona, alleging financial mismanagement and potentially unethical practices across⁢ multiple areas of the club’s operations.