Barcelona Officially Accused in Referee Payment Scandal

Rabat – FC Barcelona is under legal scrutiny after being officially charged with corporate corruption in the long-running Negreira Case.

Spanish authorities accuse the club of fraud, marking a major development in an investigation that has unsettled Spanish football.

The case centers on payments made by Barcelona to José María Enríquez Negreira, who served as vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA).

Between 2001 and 2018, the club allegedly paid around €7.2 million to companies linked to Negreira and his associates.

These payments were labeled as “refereeing advisory services,” but investigators suspect they may have been intended to influence match officials in favor of Barcelona.

The judge overseeing the case, from Barcelona’s Court of Instruction No. 1, has confirmed the charges and ordered the club to submit original contracts with Dasnil 95 SL and Nilsad SCP.

The documents reveal that the two companies used to mutually transfer funds. However, Barcelona previously claimed in 2021 that it had no records of these agreements, raising further questions about transparency.

As the case moves forward, several key figures are expected to testify. Joan Laporta, the current president, will appear in court on November 25 to explain payments made during his first term (2003–2010).

Former coaches Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde will also be questioned to determine whether Negreira’s reports influenced tactical decisions.

Additionally, Joan Gaspart, who led the club from 2000 to 2003, is scheduled to testify in February, while vice president Elena Fort will speak on behalf of the current board in January.

This scandal has severely damaged Barcelona’s reputation. Although the club continues to deny any wrongdoing, the formal accusation adds pressure and raises doubts about its past conduct.

The outcome of the testimonies and the court’s review of documents could reveal more details about the club’s relationship with Negreira and the true nature of the payments.

The next few months will be critical in determining whether Barcelona can clear its name, or face further consequences.

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