Barcelona president Sandro Rosell could face up to eight years in jail after Brazil prosecutors accused his company of illegally profiting from a Brazil vs Portugal match it organised in 2008.
The prosecutors claim to have serious reservations about the €3.5m that Rosell’s marketing company Ailanto received for their services in organising the friendly.
Brazilian publication Folha de São Paulo reported that nearly €400,000 was transferred into an account under the Barcelona supremo’s name.
They also claim that former CBF president Ricardo Teixeira benefitted from the game to the tune of €275,000.
Similar allegations have been levelled at Rosell in the past which have been dismissed but a Brazilian judge have sanctioned a trial as reports of false evidence emerge.
Rosell’s lawyer in Brazil, Antenor Madruga, told Associated Press that the charges were “ridiculous” and “rest on nothing”.
“The charges that have been leveled are under two allegations,” Madruga said.” One about whether his company had the capacity to promote matches, the other whether he presented false documents to prove he was able to promote matches.
“The police investigation did not come to any conclusion, but the prosecutor went ahead anyway. The charges are ridiculous, it is nothing. The legality of this case rests on nothing.”
Source: ESPN
