MADRID (Azat TV) – A legal complaint alleging financial irregularities has been filed against Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, just weeks before the club’s presidential elections scheduled for March 15, 2026. This development has intensified scrutiny on Laporta’s bid for re-election, prompting strong denials from both the club and its embattled leader.
The complaint, which surfaced on Monday, February 23, and was first reported by El Periodico, alleges multiple financial crimes, including money laundering and the collection of undue commissions during Laporta’s tenure. It claims to detail an extensive network of companies, some based in Spain and others in international jurisdictions such as Cyprus, Dubai, Croatia, and Estonia, reportedly used to collect illicit commissions and then launder funds through seemingly legitimate businesses. The legal document, comprising 38 pages, reportedly points to irregularities related to Nike contracts and the ongoing construction of the new stadium, according to Gamereactor.eu.
FC Barcelona and Laporta Deny Allegations
FC Barcelona swiftly issued a statement in response to the news, condemning the complaint as an “illegitimate attempt to alter the normal development of the democratic process.” The club asserted that the information underpinning the report was “untrue and based on presumably false or highly manipulated documents,” indicating that it would consider legal action against the newspaper for publishing the story without fully considering the club’s version of events.
Speaking on Catalunya Radio, President Laporta vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them “absolutely false” and solely intended to “slander, defame, and harm” his reputation ahead of the crucial vote. The Athletic confirmed that a national court in Madrid has received the complaint, though there is no immediate indication that it will lead to any formal action being taken.
Presidential Race Heats Up Ahead of March 15 Vote
The timing of the complaint is particularly significant as the FC Barcelona presidential elections are rapidly approaching, with members set to cast their ballots on March 15. Laporta, who returned for his second term as president in 2021 after previously serving from 2003 to 2010, is widely considered the favorite to win the vote among the 114,504 eligible club members. His main challengers include Catalan fintech entrepreneur Victor Font, local businessman Marc Ciria, and former club executive Xavier Vilajoana. Each candidate is required to submit 2,337 supporting signatures from the club’s membership by March 2 to qualify for the ballot.
The Stakes for Barcelona’s Leadership
This legal challenge casts a shadow over a pivotal moment for FC Barcelona, which is navigating both on-field performance pressures and significant financial restructuring. While the team recently secured a 3-0 home win over Levante, momentarily returning to the top of La Liga, the focus of the club’s leadership remains firmly on the upcoming elections and the integrity of the electoral process. The allegations, regardless of their veracity, introduce an element of uncertainty into a contest that was already set to determine the future direction of one of the world’s most prominent football clubs.
The strategic timing of these allegations in the midst of a heated election campaign underscores the high stakes for FC Barcelona’s leadership and reputation, with the outcome of the legal process and the election closely intertwined.