Joan Laporta: 'A thorough and independent investigation is under way'

Joan Laporta has announced that FC Barcelona has taken the decision to outsource an investigation into the events concerning the technical consultancy on referees and players. "Actions are being taken" he said, "by an external lawyer, who together with a team of professionals and always in liaison with the club's Compliance Department, is conducting an analysis and investigation to ensure that it is independent and thorough, as FC Barcelona deserves, and as do its members and our millions of supporters around the world."

Laporta regrets "the series of filtrations of information, data and documents that are happening as the result of a matter that is being investigated by the tax office, and that should be kept in utmost privacy." This notwithstanding the need "for a democratic society in which journalism can be exercised freely and independently."

The FC Barcelona president also wished to make it clear how these payments worked. "During my first presidency" he said, "these technical services on referees and players were paid with the corresponding invoice, and had the corresponding documentary and video supports ... What happened afterwards is under investigation, and as soon as we have further information we will announce it. We are looking forward to presenting a full explanation.”

Regarding Javier Tebas, the current president of La Liga, he said “Tebas has publicly stated his wish for me to stand down as president of Barça. This is no coincidence because we are doing well, and getting better and better, and Tebas seems to be repeatedly trying to destabilise us. I shall not give him the pleasure of doing what he wants because FC Barcelona belongs to its members. Tebas is a person whose anti-Barça views have been apparent throughout his career ... Now he refuses to forgive us for not adhering to the agreement with CVC and because we are defending our stance for a Super League."

Laporta finished by saying that "whoever tries to tarnish the history of FC Barcelona will be met by as strong a response as necessary. This club's history has been built on much work and knowledge to create a spectacular kind of football."