Spain's National Court on Monday said it had dismissed a complaint against Barcelona's Lionel Messi filed by a former employee of the Argentine footballer's foundation, who had accused him of fraud, embezzlement and money laundering.
In dismissing the case, the judge wrote that the complaint "was based on an account put together from stories in the press, without bringing even a single element that was personally and directly known" by the plaintiff.
The complaint had been filed in June by Federico Rettori, an Argentine national living in Majorca who formerly worked for Messi's charity.
In it, he named the Barcelona striker, the charity, his father Jorge and brother Rodrigo and "all the people, as yet unidentified, who in one form or another administered or managed the funds at the Leo Messi Foundation," the document said.
He claimed that funds received by the foundation which "should have been directed to social causes" instead went "towards various private activities or bank accounts that differed from those that were declared by the foundation".
Last year, Rettori filed suit in Argentina on similar grounds. According to a judicial source, it prompted the opening of a preliminary investigation but so far, neither Messi nor his father have been charged.
Latest Stories
-
Let’s prioritize research quality in higher education institutions for industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
6 hours -
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
10 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
10 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
10 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
11 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
12 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
12 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
12 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
12 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
12 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
13 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
13 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
13 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
14 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
14 hours