The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has announced an investigation into corruption charges leveled against Barcelona in connection with ‘Caso Negreira’.
Barcelona has been charged with’sporting corruption’ after it was revealed that the club had allegedly made payments to former vice-president of Spain’s refereeing committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. The €7 million was allegedly paid between 2001 and 2018 for reports and videos on how to behave in front of certain referees.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has denied any wrongdoing, but the charges do accuse former club presidents of Sandro Rosell and Josep Bartomeu of having an arrangement with Negreira.
Spanish courts agreed to explore the allegations after prosecutors filed charges. Now, UEFA have also announced their intentions to investigate Barcelona.
Their statement reads: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have today been appointed to conduct an investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework by FC Barcelona in connection with the so-called ‘Caso Negreira’.”