Barcelona is facing allegations of tax evasion related to a €10 million payment made to a company linked to the signing of Brazilian footballer Matheus Fernandes in 2019. The payment was reportedly made to a company called Driblab, which is owned by a sports agent named Manuel Jorge Vieira. The company was allegedly used to facilitate the payment of agent fees to Vieira, who was involved in the transfer of Fernandes from Sporting CP to Barcelona. The allegations of tax evasion are based on the fact that the payment was made to a company that is not registered as a tax-paying entity in Spain, and that the company's ownership structure makes it difficult to determine who ultimately received the payment.
The allegations have been made by a Spanish tax authority, which is investigating the payment and the ownership structure of Driblab. The investigation is focused on determining whether the payment was made in compliance with Spanish tax laws and regulations. If the allegations are proven, Barcelona could face significant fines and penalties for tax evasion, in addition to any reputational damage that may result from the scandal.
The case highlights the complexities of international football transfers and the need for transparency and compliance with tax laws. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that agent fees are paid in a way that is transparent and compliant with tax laws.
Barcelona has not commented publicly on the allegations, but the club is expected to cooperate fully with the investigation. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant implications for the club and for the football industry as a whole.