FC Barcelona legal chief blames board for Neymar-related legal fees

Román Gómez Ponti, the former head of FC Barcelona’s legal department, has testified before a judge regarding the ‘Neymar case’. He denied responsibility for determining the €1.7 million fee paid to lawyer José Ángel González Franco for a settlement reached in a tax fraud trial related to Neymar’s signing.

Gómez Ponti stated that his role was limited to reviewing invoices, verifying that work was performed, and ensuring the amount aligned with the Barcelona Bar Association’s criteria, but maintained that the decision on the specific amount rested with the club's board of directors.

The investigation follows a complaint by the Barcelona Prosecutor's Office against former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and other former executives for alleged mismanagement. The probe covers various payments, including legal fees, commissions for the signing of Malcom, and indemnities related to the Espai Barça works. While the currently investigated irregular amount is approximately €4 million, a forensic audit commissioned by current president Joan Laporta estimated total irregularities could reach around €30 million.