Barcelona Launches Internal Investigation into Griezmann Transfer Payments
Barcelona has initiated an internal investigation into a series of suspicious payments linked to the 2019 transfer of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. The probe is centered on financial operations conducted during the tenure of the previous board, led by Josep Maria Bartomeu. The current board, headed by Joan Laporta, is continuing a broader audit of past transactions, prompted by preliminary findings indicating approximately 30 million euros in potentially irregular activity.
This includes allegations of inflated commissions associated with player transfers. Specifically, the investigation is focusing on the details surrounding Griezmann’s transfer, where Barcelona triggered the player’s 120 million euro release clause. Investigators are examining a payment of 1.5 million euros made to lawyer Gonzalez Franco, a key figure in the deal.
The scope of the Barcelona investigation is examining the financial dealings surrounding the transfer. The club’s legal and financial teams are meticulously reviewing documentation and seeking to clarify the rationale behind the payments. Authorities are assisting with the ongoing inquiry.
This investigation underscores Barcelona’s commitment to transparency and accountability following previous governance concerns.
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