Pep Guardiola labels Josep Maria Bartomeu arrest as ‘uncomfortable situation’ ahead of Barcelona elections
The former president of the Catalan club, who has been released from jail, is part of an investigation dubbed ‘Barçagate’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pep Guardiola described Josep Maria Bartomeu's arrest as an “uncomfortable situation” and hopes Barcelona can move forward following Sunday's presidential elections.
Barcelona’s former president Bartomeu was arrested on Monday alongside several other officials as part of a police investigation as part of a case dubbed ‘Barçagate’.
The case centres on Barcelona’s relationship with a company called I3 Ventures, which is alleged to have created social media accounts to smear club figures who were critical of Bartomeu.
Barcelona are also alleged to have overpaid I3 Ventures for their services.
READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table — all matches by date and kick-off time
The club deny any wrongdoing and last year commissioned an internal audit which showed there had not been “any defamatory campaigns directed at third parties” and that “no corrupt behaviour took place”.
Bartomeu, who resigned as president in October, was released from jail on Tuesday.
Manchester United are our only focus, insists Pep Guardiola as City close in on record winning streak
Pep Guardiola warns Man City players face being dropped if they think ‘job is done’
Man City have no time to savour breaking records, says Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola wants to emulate the ‘incredibly long career’ of West Ham boss David Moyes- ‘We have a lot of money to buy a lot of incredible players’: Pep Guardiola explains Man City’s success
Barcelona’s members will choose his permanent successor this weekend, with Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa standing for election on Sunday.
“I know it’s an uncomfortable situation and hopefully it is going to finish well,” said Guardiola when asked about Bartomeu’s arrest. “He’s already now innocent until the court maybe proves he is guilty.
“The only thing I'm concerned with right now is that in one week we’ll have a new president. I want to congratulate all three for the campaign.
READ MORE: Raheem Sterling pinpoints reason behind Man City’s defensive improvement
“Of course it’s a difficult situation all around the world and at Barcelona especially for many reasons as everyone knows, so have the courage to lead the next years.
“Hopefully as many people as possible can vote and choose the right president to lead this incredible club, for me the best club in the world, for the sentimental issue.
“I’m pretty sure Barcelona will come back stronger in a short time. The new president just has to lead the confidence of everyone, and join the team and the fans all together and they are going to be the club they are.
“I’m looking forward to the election next Sunday and hopefully the president we choose will be OK.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments