FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta is under judicial investigation following accusations of fraud tied to a €4.7 million investment involving CSSB Limited, a company allegedly linked to him. This legal case comes at a turbulent time for the Barça president and adds further scrutiny to his leadership amid the club's ongoing financial and legal challenges.

The Allegations: Lottery Winnings and Broken Promises

The plaintiffs—a couple and their daughter—claim the events date back to 2014, when they won €34 million in Spain’s lottery. While purchasing a luxury car, a dealership representative reportedly recommended investing part of their fortune in entities connected to Laporta.

According to their statement, they invested €2.4 million in CSSB Limited under the promise of a 6% annual return for two years. They say they placed trust in Laporta due to his public prominence and personal interaction, which allegedly included invitations to the VIP box at Camp Nou.

However, the family claims they never received the promised returns or their principal investment. The lawsuit states that between 2016 and 2018, the implicated parties generated €4.7 million in revenue through these investments, leaving the plaintiffs empty-handed.

The investigation, led by Barcelona's Court of Instruction No. 6, has summoned Laporta to testify on Monday, along with two other individuals connected to CSSB Limited. The company, based in Hong Kong, has faced three prior lawsuits for similar accusations, but this is the first case involving Laporta as a defendant.

Potential Impact on Laporta and FC Barcelona

This legal trouble adds to the mounting pressures on Joan Laporta, whose presidency has already been marked by financial struggles and controversies. The case coincides with ongoing disputes involving player registrations, such as Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, and follows the recent spotlight on the club after their victory in the Supercopa de España.

If the investigation progresses, it could jeopardize Laporta’s position at a critical juncture for FC Barcelona, both on and off the field. The implications extend beyond his personal reputation, potentially affecting the stability and public perception of the club under his leadership.