BARCELONA: Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, detained Monday as part of a probe into last year’sBarcagate’ scandal, will have to appear before a judge on Tuesday.Jaume Masferrer has been summoned for investigating judge leading the probe after spending the night at a police station along with Bartomeu.
The ‘Barcagate’ scandal involves allegations that the club covered up payments made to a company called I3 Ventures, hired to boost the image of then-president Bartomeu on social media.
The campaign included criticising current and former players, like Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez.
He resigned in October, avoiding a vote of no confidence triggered after more than 20,000 club members signed a petition against him. His departure came in the same month Barcelona announced losses of 97 million euros (US$114 million) for last season and following a dramatic decline in performances on the pitch.
His successor is due to be elected on Sunday, among the final three candidates, Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa and Victor Font.