More Trouble For Barca As UEFA Investigates Referee Bribery Allegation

UEFA has launched an investigation into allegations that Barcelona made payments to a former vice president of Spain’s referees’ committee.

Reports suggest that the club paid 7 million euros to companies owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira between 2001 and 2018.

Negreira was the vice president of the Spanish football federation’s refereeing committee during this time.

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Spanish prosecutors have already filed a complaint against Barcelona, which could lead to corruption charges in court.

UEFA has appointed ethics and disciplinary inspectors to investigate the potential violation of its legal framework by FC Barcelona.

The investigation will focus on the so-called “Caso Negreira” and will be conducted in accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations.

Barcelona has denied any wrongdoing, stating that they had paid an external consultant for technical reports related to professional refereeing, which is common practice in the game.

President Joan Laporta has insisted that the club has never bought referees or influenced them in any way.

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The allegations are serious and could have significant consequences for Barcelona if proven true.

They may also further damage the reputation of Spanish football, which has already been tarnished by previous corruption scandals.

It remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will be and what action, if any, UEFA will take against Barcelona.