Barcelona seek Griezmann testimony as court examines 2019 transfer commissions | OneFootball

Barcelona have moved to advance the judicial investigation in Investigating Court Number 16 into former president Josep Maria Bartomeu for alleged misappropriation, unfair administration and falsified accounting. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the club also want Antoine Griezmann and his sister, who represented him, to give evidence on commissions.

A review ordered by Joan Laporta found about €30 million in losses from irregular operations, including commissions of up to 33%. In a court filing, Barcelona’s lawyers focus on Griezmann’s €120 million move in 2019 and a suspected €1.5 million fee for José Ángel González Franco.

March 2019 emails are cited as showing club negotiators pressing Griezmann’s camp to settle terms with González Franco before a contract was sent. Seven Karian floated a July 2019 payment, noting Griezmann had already received €14 million.

González Franco was not on the chain, and Karian led talks. After a 4 July 2019 meeting, Barcelona signalled a deposit within 15 days, and on 12 July €120 million was paid. Atlético then complained to the RFEF over talks in FIFA’s protected period, before a €15 million pre-emption deal on 11 September 2019 portrayed as disguised compensation.

González Franco was paid in 2020, not July 2019 as envisaged in the emails. In 2022 he told prosecutors Barcelona did not pay him commission, saying he advised Griezmann and was paid €1.5 million by the player. The court is asked to fix any commissions, any gain for González Franco and any loss to Barcelona, with both testimonies deemed essential.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo