Bartomeu denies ordering hostile social media posts in Barçagate hearing | OneFootball

Josep Maria Bartomeu reappeared before a Barcelona judge in the Barçagate case, denying he ordered hostile social media posts. The former president sought to be questioned as an accused party over alleged disloyal administration in the Nicestream contract, returning seven days after a prior statement.

According to El Periódico de Catalunya, the Mossos filed an expanded report this week on data taken from Bartomeu’s phone, including Nicestream documents. An earlier police file said he knew of work commissioned to attack rivals and players, though he maintains neither he nor the club ordered attacks.

He said Nicestream was hired after Neymar’s exit and amid 2017 online commentary tied to the independence process, as the club lacked control over social platforms. The aim, he argued, was to counter harmful opinions with positive messages in the club’s interests.

Investigators say Barcelona paid 2.3 million euros to Nicestream across three years, splitting invoices and contracts to bypass procedures and oversight. The Mossos say the work served private aims, notably polishing Bartomeu’s image before the 2021 election, and they found about 50 reports to discredit rivals. Bartomeu said contracts were split for confidentiality.

He contends WhatsApp messages cited by police are out of context and will have his lawyer submit full communications. A Mossos report on his devices alleges he deliberately hid certain orders from PriceWaterHouseCoopers and the police, including defamation of candidates, alleged survey manipulation and monitoring of journalists.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo