Sandro Rosell

Disputes over the cost and contracts of Neymar's transfer led to proceedings targeting Rosell, among others, and directly contributed to his resignation in January 2014. On the tax-related aspect, the club subsequently reached an agreement that personally cleared Rosell and Bartomeu; in “Neymar 2”, they were acquitted, with that acquittal upheld by the Supreme Court in 2026.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

Rosell spent nearly two years in pre-trial detention in a money laundering case linked to commercial rights for Brazilian national team matches before being acquitted in 2019. He subsequently obtained compensation from the state for his detention, while seeking a much larger amount; in 2026, the Supreme Court refused to reopen this claim for tens of millions.

Attribution

Accused

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

Rosell is among the former presidents investigated in the case concerning Barça's payments to companies linked to José María Enríquez Negreira. Before the judge, he denied purchasing favourable treatment and maintained that the team already enjoyed sufficient sporting advantages not to need to corrupt refereeing. The investigation phase was nearing completion in September 2026 without a final judgment.

Attribution

Directly implicated

An investigation examined allegations that the liver transplant received by Éric Abidal in 2012 might have been obtained unlawfully, with Rosell mentioned in intercepted communications and suspicions. An initial case closure was followed by reopening; Abidal and the donor denied any illegal payment before the judge.

Rosell's administration secured approval for and then brought an action seeking approximately 47.6 million euros from Joan Laporta and former directors for accounting losses attributed to their tenure. The courts ultimately dismissed the action and its appeal.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In July 2013, Pep Guardiola accused Rosell and Barça's management of refusing to leave him alone after his departure and of using Tito Vilanova's illness against him, particularly by suggesting that he had failed to support his former assistant in New York.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Directly implicated

Under Rosell, Barça concluded an agreement with Qatar Foundation worth approximately 150 million euros over five years, breaking with the tradition of a shirt without a paying commercial sponsor. The agreement sparked debate over the club's identity, business model and links with Qatar.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Shortly after his election, Rosell challenged Johan Cruyff's appointment as honorary president, arguing that the title was not provided for in the statutes. Cruyff returned his insignia, and the episode symbolised the break between the new leadership and the political legacy of the Laporta era.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated