FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has firmly denied any involvement in the alleged €4.7 million fraud case linked to the CSSB Limited company. The accusations stem from a complaint filed by a family who claims they invested part of their 2014 lottery winnings under supposed guidance from Laporta.

Laporta’s Legal Defense Speaks Out

"I have never met them, nor was I their lawyer," stated Jordi Pujante, Laporta's legal representative, regarding the family behind the accusations. According to Pujante, Laporta had no direct connection to the investors or the financial decisions made between 2016 and 2018, when the alleged incidents occurred.

"As far as he knows, there were multiple investors in business projects that did not perform as expected," added Pujante, describing the accusations as an attempt to "damage his reputation."

However, the family's lawyer, Joan Comas, argued otherwise, stating that Laporta "was aware of certain matters linked to the case" and maintained contact with the complainants, who reportedly visited his office frequently to discuss investment-related issues.

"Laporta has acknowledged these connections," Comas emphasized, while criticizing the lack of transparency and the absence of key documentation, including bank statements and proof of fund allocation.

A Case with a Complex History

Initially dismissed by a judge due to insufficient evidence, the case was reopened by the Barcelona High Court to address pending inquiries. Laporta's defense remains confident that the presented evidence will reaffirm his innocence and intends to request the case's dismissal once again.

Conversely, Comas highlighted that Laporta is listed as a "joint administrator" of Core Store, a company holding shares in CSSB Limited, which the plaintiffs argue directly implicates him in the alleged fraud.

The FC Barcelona president appeared for 45 minutes at Barcelona’s City of Justice but left without making a statement. His lawyer expressed optimism, asserting that "there is no evidence incriminating" Laporta. Meanwhile, the plaintiffs await further investigations to clarify the details of the case.