Barcelona Foundation Faces Sportswashing Claims Over Oil Partner

Barcelona, Barca Foundation, Gran Tierra Energy
27 May 2026

Barcelona’s foundation faces sportswashing allegations over its partnership with Gran Tierra Energy in Colombia. Local activists claim the club’s charity work in Putumayo helps soften the image of an oil company accused of environmental harm.

The project used football activities for vulnerable children and included Barcelona branding alongside Gran Tierra support. Community leaders told The Athletic they fear the partnership could help the company gain legitimacy, while Gran Tierra denies the allegations.