Former FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has categorically denied allegations made by a club member accusing him of alleged money laundering and receiving improper commissions.
The accusation involves a network of companies based in Spain, Cyprus, Dubai, Croatia, and Estonia through which supposed improper commissions were paid in various transactions, including the renewal of the Nike sponsorship and the construction of the Spotify Camp Nou stadium.
After receiving court notification, Laporta spoke on Catalunya Radio, denying any wrongdoing and announcing appropriate measures to defend his innocence. He described the accusations as slander intended to harm both him personally and his candidacy.
Laporta also stated that those who initiated the complaint aim to defame him and the club, emphasizing that all allegations are "absolutely false." He denied making any transfers to Dubai or Cyprus and commented that it is still unknown who filed the complaint.
Besides Laporta, the complaint also names current president Rafael Yuste, former executives Maria Elena Forés, Eduard Romeu, Ferran Olivé, secretary Josep Cubells, financial director Manel del Rio, compliance officer Sergi Aienza, and head of legal services Lluís Mellado.
In the coming days, the National Court will assign a judge to decide whether to admit the accusation and begin an investigation into the reported facts.
