Joan Laporta Reported to Spanish Authorities After Barcelona Member Alleges Money Laundering

Barcelona’s already turbulent election campaign has taken a dramatic turn after former president Joan Laporta was formally reported to Spain’s National Court on Friday following allegations of money laundering and the collection of undue commissions. The complaint, submitted electronically by an unnamed club member, also targets acting president Rafa Yuste and former institutional vice-president Elena Fort, the current head of the Espai Barça project.

Court documents show that 38 files were presented to the duty court of the Central Court of Instance in Madrid, focusing on several high-value deals struck by the club in recent seasons. Among the transactions under scrutiny are the renegotiated Nike kit contract, the construction agreement for the new Spotify Camp Nou, the sale of Barca Vision, and the strategic partnership that installed New Era Visionary Group as the club’s telecommunications partner.

The complainant, identified only as a Barcelona socio, has asked investigators to examine whether Laporta and his fellow executives benefited improperly from these agreements. Once the National Court distributes the case to an examining magistrate, that judge will decide whether sufficient evidence exists to open formal proceedings. Until that determination is made, the matter remains in preliminary review.

Laporta, who is actively campaigning to regain the presidency in next month’s election, has not yet issued a public response to the allegations. The timing of the complaint ensures that governance and financial transparency will dominate the final weeks of the electoral race.

Keywords: