Barcelona: Bartomeu released, does not speak to the judge

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his former adviser Jaume Masferrer, arrested yesterday in the Catalan metropolis as part of the "Barcagate" investigation, were released after appearing before the judge conducting the investigation. The two men, the court said, "have exercised their right not to speak" and the judge has placed them on parole, while the investigation continues. Two other club executives who were arrested yesterday as part of the operation that also led to a search of the Barcelona headquarters - the current CEO of the club, Oscar Grau, and the head of legal services, Rome Gomez Ponti - were were released last night. From the 'Barcagate' scandal it would appear that the blaugrana club covered payments made to a company called I3 Ventures, hired to strengthen the club's image on social media. Part of the social media campaign included criticism of players, including Leo Messi and Xavi Hernandez, but also of coach Pep Guardiola.