Josep Maria Bartomeu, the former president of FC Barcelona, has voluntarily appeared for a second time in eight days before the Ciudad de la Justicia to provide testimony related to the 'Barçagate' case. This investigation involves allegations of disloyal administration, specifically concerning his hiring of a company, Nicestream from the I3 Ventures group, to disseminate favorable messages about himself and the club on social media while tarnishing the reputation of his rivals. This tactic was executed during his presidency from 2017 to 2020.

Bartomeu explained that the rationale behind contracting Nicestream was to monitor and manage the club's online image, especially following the high-profile departure of Neymar and amid the backdrop of significant political discord in Catalonia arising from the independence process and the issues surrounding the October 1 referendum. He emphasized the intense pressure faced during his tenure, asserting that these elements contributed to the perception of a fragile club image that necessitated external support for media presence.

This ongoing inquiry raises broader questions about governance practices in major organizations, particularly in sports, where public image and political sentiments collide. Bartomeu’s defense underscores the challenges leaders often face in navigating complex social and political landscapes while attempting to maintain a positive public relations front amid controversies. The implications of the case may further delve into the ethics of corporate communication strategies employed by sports entities and their long-term impacts on credibility and trustworthiness in leadership within the sporting context.