Spanish giants Barcelona are currently embroiled in a bribery case within the Spanish courts, potentially leading to their expulsion from the world of football.
Judge Joaquin Aguirre has leveled bribery accusations against Barcelona, specifically related to payments of approximately £6 million made to former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
Earlier reports from Spanish media outlets had suggested that Barcelona had paid €7 million to Negreira between 2001 and 2018 for what was described as ‘undocumented’ verbal advice. This advice was believed to ensure impartial treatment from referees during their matches.
Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, refrained from commenting on the issue during a press conference, stating, “I don’t make reflections of this type. I have very little time, and I need it to focus on our team’s performance, recent matches, and our strategy. I don’t dwell on these matters.”
In September, the investigating judge, Joaquin Aguirre Lopez, had indicated that there was no evidence to support the claim that Negreira had paid referees to manipulate match outcomes.
Negreira has consistently denied any favoritism towards Barcelona in refereeing decisions.
Barcelona, for its part, has denied any wrongdoing and had previously stated that they had engaged Negreira as an “external consultant” who provided reports “related to professional refereeing.”
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Several individuals, including former presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, former official Negreira, and his son Javier Enriquez Romero, have all faced charges in connection with this case.
Notably, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has refrained from commenting on the scandal, which could potentially result in a Champions League ban for Xavi’s team.
It had been alleged that Negreira received the funds through a shell company established by former Barcelona director Josep Contreras, who is believed to have earned a 50% commission in the process.
