Barcelona member files complaint against Joan Laporta ahead of presidential elections | OneFootball

Fresh legal uncertainty surrounds Joan Laporta after a formal complaint was filed with Spain’s National Court alleging financial wrongdoing, including money laundering.

According to El Periodico (h/t SPORT), the complaint was submitted on Friday to the duty court of the Central Court of First Instance of the National Court in Madrid. 

Laporta, who is preparing to stand for re-election in next month’s presidential vote at FC Barcelona, is not the only figure named.

As per the outlet, several high-ranking executives have been included in the filing. 

Among them are acting president Rafa Yuste and Elena Fort, the former institutional vice-president and head of the Espai Barça project management. 

What’s the story?

The scope of the complaint suggests that this is not an isolated accusation, but one that targets key figures within the current leadership structure.

A total of 38 documents were submitted electronically alongside the complaint. The allegations centre on suspected money laundering and the alleged “collection of undue commissions.” 

The claims are said to relate to several major financial operations carried out by Barcelona in recent years.

Joan Laporta is in big trouble. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Two of the headline agreements referenced are the renewal of the sponsorship deal with Nike and the financing and construction process of the new Spotify Camp Nou. 

Both projects have been critical pillars of Laporta’s economic recovery strategy.

In addition, the complaint reportedly questions aspects of the Barca Vision sale and the agreement that brought New Era Visionary Group on board as the club’s strategic telecommunications partner. 

These transactions have formed part of Barcelona’s efforts to generate liquidity during a period of financial strain.

Who filed the complaint?

The individual behind the complaint is said to be a Barcelona member, known as a Socio, although their identity has not been made public.

The case is now in the hands of the National Court and the next procedural step will involve assigning the complaint to one of the judges within the judicial body. 

For now, no formal charges have been confirmed, and the matter remains under judicial review. 

However, with presidential elections approaching, the timing of the complaint adds further tension to an already sensitive period in Barcelona’s institutional landscape.