Revealed: Ex-Barcelona president's involvement in paid PR campaign to attack Pep Guardiola and other rivals on social media as WhatsApp messages emerge

The Catalan police have confirmed that ex-president Bartomeu was fully aware of, and actively monitored, a paid social media campaign commissioned by Barcelona and involving a company called Nicestream during his presidency, as per a recent report by El Pais. The report also cited police reports, stating that the seized WhatsApp messages show Bartomeu receiving regular updates from adviser Jaume Masferrer on Nicestream’s activity, which included smear campaigns against rivals Joan Laporta, Victor Font, and even Pep Guardiola. Police allege Bartomeu deliberately concealed contracts and commissions from auditors and investigators.

Investigators found 138 Nicestream reports on Bartomeu’s devices, though only around 20 were shared with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the firm tasked with auditing the club after the scandal first broke in 2020. Police claim Bartomeu deliberately hid the most damaging documents, which detailed interventions designed to defame rivals, manipulate polls, and even monitor journalists critical of his leadership. Over €2.3 million was reportedly paid to Nicestream through split contracts, designed to avoid internal oversight. The funds, the report concludes, were used for Bartomeu’s “personal purposes and benefits.”

The police report highlights Nicestream’s strategy of deploying 226 fake accounts to shape online discourse. These included targeted campaigns to discredit Guardiola and his supporters due to his perceived closeness with Joan Laporta. Víctor Font was also the subject of an “action plan” intended to “inconvenience” him during his presidential campaign. At the same time, positive posts were generated in support of Bartomeu’s allies, including former president Sandro Rosell. Police note that Bartomeu even requested edits to his own images in reports, underscoring his direct involvement.

The ex-chief has consistently denied any wrongdoing, with Barca initially dismissing suggestions of smear campaigns. However, the newly recovered messages indicate that the former president not only approved of the campaigns but also attempted to obstruct internal investigations. When auditors requested full documentation, Bartomeu reportedly replied: “This audit is commissioned by the board, and the board will only make the findings public.” The Mossos conclude that Bartomeu was “reluctant to allow anyone to review the contract,” strengthening suspicions of a cover-up.

The report is now in the hands of Barca’s 13th investigating court, where the Barcagate case has been under review for over five years. Bartomeu, along with senior figures including Jaume Masferrer, remains under formal investigation following their 2021 arrests. Meanwhile, the Guardiola's City are focused on the pitch shifts to the Champions League clash with Napoli.