In what would be more trouble for Barcelona, UEFA has started an investigation into the Negreira referee payments scandal.
Between 2001 and 2018, the LaLiga giants gave Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of the referee’s committee, payments totaling €7.3 million.
Accusations of corruption have been made against Barca.
However, it has now been confirmed that UEFA will take on the case.
A statement from European football’s governing body 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’.
“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
Barcelona insist they have not done anything illegal nor have they earned favour from referees because of the payments made to Negreira.
