Sandro Rosell cleared of money laundering

The National High Court has cleared former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell of money laundering.

Rosell, who faced six years in prison if found guilty, had spent the last two years in police custody after being accused of laundering commission paid to him by former president of the Brazilian Football Federation Ricardo Teixeira.

He wasn't convicted of the crime on the principle of 'in dubio pro reo', in case of doubt the case goes in the defendant's favour.

As well as Rosell, five others accused of laundering 20 million euros of audio-visual rights of 24 games of the Brazilian national team and with a contract with Nike were also cleared.

"The accusations have not been able to be proved and, therefore, as a result of doubt, the principle of 'in dubio pro reo' must be taken," was the verdict of Angel Hurtado in court.