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Spanish giants Barcelona have been accused of tax evasion in their dealing with the transfer of Brazilian forward Malcolm in 2018, as per reports. Barca spent around €42 million to sign the then-21-year-old from Ligue 1 side Girondins de Bordeaux after his excellent displays in France.
Reports from El Periodico and the Catalan police (via GOAL) have alleged that there were irregularities in Malcolm's transfer to the Nou Camp under Josep Maria Bartomeu. As per investigations, Barcelona paid a sum of €10 million to Business Futbol Espana (BFE) for nonexistent intermediary service between 2018 and 2020.
Barcelona's payments have been flagged as they were appearing to be used to disguise tax obligations by changing the original contract between Malcom and the club. This adjustment reduced the income declared by the club, helping them to bypass the Treasury payments due on the transfer.
Spain's authorities continue to investigate the matter, and it remains to be seen if a sanction would be limited to the specific individuals engaged or extended to the club itself. Pivotal figures at the club, consisting of former club president Bartomeu, are being investigated by the authorities, as well over various shady deals.
Malcom did not perform well for Barcelona despite playing with the likes of Lionel Messi and several other superstars, and left the side after just one season. He signed with Russian club Zeit for an initial €40 million in 2019, and has since moved to Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal.
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