Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta opposes Barca deal

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta opposes Barca deal

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta argues against a deal cut with the Spanish tax authorities. It was over the signing of Neymar in 2013. He insists that it should not be allowed as it ruins the club’s image while “saving the behinds” of current leaders.

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta opposes Barca deal

Barca have announced that they have reached concrete agreement with Spain’s tax authority, Hacienda. They are obliged to pay €15 million in owed taxes and also a €5.5m fine. They also have to admit that the club was at fault in the complex transfer which took Neymar to the Camp Nou. The deal also exonerates current Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his predecessor Sandro Rosell cleared of any personal wrongdoing.

Bartomeu and Rosell had been facing potential jail sentences for their role in constructing the initial transfer deal. Neymar and his parents also named as potential parties in the fraud case filed by the tax authorities.

The controversial transfer with Brazilian club Santos was negotiated in such a way that the “transfer fee” element was just €17m. Barca were making an extra €40m “compensation” payment to a company controlled by Neymar’s parents. Other associated payments also brought the total cost to over €95m.

Barca have now admitted that the €40m was actually a salary paid to Neymar. Therefore it is liable for income tax — they have agreed to pay the €15m tax due on that sum, also a €5.5m fine on top.

Former Camp Nou chief Laporta during the years 2003-2010. He was defeated by Bartomeu in last summer’s election. He said on Radio Catalunya that Barca fans must move quickly to stop the pact executing and oust those who were hurting the club for their own personal benefit.

“Barcelonismo must react immediately,” Laporta said. “It cannot wait until an AGM is called, which will be when it suits them. There must be a strong reaction to avoid this transaction.

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