Josep Maria Bartomeu: The Presidency and Controversies of FC Barcelona's 40th President
Josep Maria Bartomeu Floreta is a Spanish entrepreneur and sports executive who served as the 40th president of FC Barcelona. His tenure, which spanned from early 2014 to late 2020, was marked by a complex blend of unprecedented sporting success across multiple disciplines and significant legal and administrative turmoil.
Born on February 6, 1963, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Bartomeu is an alumnus of ESADE. Before ascending to the presidency, he established himself in the business world as a partner and CEO of the companies ADELTE and EFS.
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Key Facts
- Role: 40th President of FC Barcelona (January 23, 2014 – October 27, 2020).
- Predecessor: Sandro Rosell.
- Successors: Carlos Tusquets (interim) and Joan Laporta.
- Education: ESADE.
- Profession: Entrepreneur.
Rise to Power and Presidential Tenure
Bartomeu's journey within the club's leadership began during the presidency of Joan Laporta, where he served on the board as the head of the basketball section. He later became the vice-president under Sandro Rosell after the pair won an election with 61.35% of the members' votes in July 2010.
The transition to the presidency occurred on January 23, 2014, following the resignation of Sandro Rosell. According to the club's constitution, Bartomeu was elected to complete Rosell's term. He remained in office until October 27, 2020, when he announced his resignation along with the entire Board of Directors.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
Bartomeu's leadership was frequently overshadowed by legal scrutiny. He was investigated for alleged tax fraud related to the signing of the forward Neymar. While he and the club were eventually cleared and did not stand trial for these specific allegations, the investigation involved significant legal battles and appeals.
Further turmoil arrived in March 2021, when Catalan police investigated Bartomeu for a defamation campaign known as Barçagate. He was accused of hiring I3 Ventures to manipulate the club's image on social media and launch smear campaigns against several of the club's star players. This investigation led to a raid at the Camp Nou offices by the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalonia's police force), resulting in the arrest of Bartomeu, CEO Oscar Grau, former adviser Jaume Masferrer, and legal counsel Roman Gomez Ponti.
Sporting Achievements
Despite the administrative chaos, FC Barcelona remained a dominant force in global sports during Bartomeu's presidency. The club secured numerous titles across football, basketball, handball, and other disciplines.
In men's football, the club won four La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy in 2014–15. The women's team (Barcelona Femení) continued its dominance with multiple Primera División and Copa de la Reina titles. The club's handball and roller hockey sections were particularly prolific, winning nearly every available domestic and European trophy during this period.
| Sport | Key Titles | Notable Years |
|---|---|---|
| Men's Football | La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey | 2014–2019 |
| Women's Football | Primera División, Copa de la Reina | 2013–2020 |
| Handball | Liga ASOBAL, EHF Champions League | 2013–2019 |
| Roller Hockey | OK Liga, CERH European League | 2013–2020 |
| Basketball | Liga ACB, Copa del Rey | 2013–2019 |
| Futsal | Primera División, UEFA Futsal Cup | 2013–2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Josep Maria Bartomeu become president?
Bartomeu became president on January 23, 2014, to complete the term of Sandro Rosell, who resigned due to the controversy surrounding the "Neymar case."
What was "Barçagate"?
Barçagate refers to an alleged defamation campaign where Bartomeu was accused of hiring a firm called I3 Ventures to improve the club's social media image and smear certain star players.
Did Bartomeu face trial for tax fraud?
Although he was investigated and initially set to stand trial regarding the signing of Neymar, subsequent appeals resulted in Bartomeu, Sandro Rosell, and the club being cleared.
Who succeeded Bartomeu as president?
Following Bartomeu's resignation in October 2020, Carlos Tusquets served as the interim president before Joan Laporta won the election to take over the role.
Which major football trophy did the club win in 2014–15?
During the 2014–15 season, FC Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Copa del Rey, completing a historic treble.