Abidal liver transport ‘fully lawful’

The liver transplant for Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal was fully lawful, according to the Spain's National Organ Transplant Organisation.

A stunning report in El Confidencial last month claimed former Barca president Sandro Rosell – currently in jail for various tax frauds – could face charges for illegal organ trafficking.

38-year-old Abidal – a former defender at Barca – is now Director of Football at the club, and was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2011.

“Abidal was on the waiting list for a deceased donor transplant, but as his illness advanced, medical experts began to seek a live donor, which in no case excluded the possibility of a deceased donor if the opportunity presented itself,” the ONT said, in quotes cited by ESPN FC.

“The relationship between the donor [Abidal's cousin, Gerard] and the recipient was clear from the start and the necessary documentation was produced.

“The steps were carried out in accordance with current legislation and good practice.”

Rosell, 53, also stands accused of assisting to launder €15m via tax havens between the years of 2007 and 2011 and was arrested last year in relation to buying television rights for Brazil matches.

He was Barca president between 2010 and denies any wrongdoing, while he was also stand trial in a separate case linked to Neymar’s signing from Santos in 2013.

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