Former Barcelona legal chief blames Bartomeu for lawyer payments

Roman Gomez Ponti, former head of legal services at FC Barcelona, testified that the board during Josep Maria Bartomeu's tenure approved a €1.7 million payment to Bartomeu's lawyer related to the Neymar case. This case resulted in the club's first criminal conviction. Gomez Ponti stated his role was limited and emphasized that the board was responsible for the payment decisions. Prosecutors allege that Bartomeu diverted €4 million in payments without the board's approval, supported by a forensic report submitted by the current board. The investigation stems from alleged accounting irregularities regarding player transfers and settlements, specifically involving the Neymar signing.

• 3:45 PMYahoo Sports — Former Barcelona legal chief blames Bartomeu over improper lawyer payments in Neymar case