The Neymar transfer scandal, "which has plagued Barcelona" since club member Jordi Cases sued former President Sandro Rosell for misappropriating part of the Brazilian striker's transfer fee, could take "yet another twist over the next few days," according to J.P. Madrid of MARCA. It "all stems from a reform to the country's Criminal Code which came into force last month and which provides an exemption from criminal liability for companies" when an alleged crime is committed by its administrators, managers, directors and/or employees. In the case of Neymar's transfer, the new law "could free Barcelona from any responsibility and leave the full weight of the law" on Rosell and current President Josep Maria Bartomeu. Given that companies and organizations often have representatives, directors and employees acting on their behalf, the Criminal Code has launched a "protective mechanism," commonplace in the U.S., called Criminal Compliance. Until now, this was considered a "mitigating solution in facing the legal consequences for an alleged crime." However, it is "now perceived" as a defense (MARCA, 8/2).
