UEFA will not decide whether to impose disciplinary sanctions on Barcelona in the Negreira case unless Spanish courts establish that sporting corruption took place.
The European governing body confirmed on Thursday that it had received a large volume of documents from Real Madrid relating to its investigation into Barcelona, the club’s traditional rivals. UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspectors have also received the new material and will assess it as part of their ongoing analysis.
The case became public on 15 February 2023, when Radio Barcelona, part of the Cadena SER network, reported that prosecutors were investigating alleged irregularities connected to Enriquez Negreira’s declarations to the tax authorities.
Negreira, a former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees, is at the centre of the investigation. UEFA opened preliminary proceedings in 2023 to gather information, but those proceedings have not yet been closed.
The European body has decided that it must first establish the outcome of the criminal case before the Spanish courts. It considers that decision necessary because the matter falls under the authority of a higher judicial jurisdiction.
Barcelona has already supplied all the information requested by UEFA, which appointed two inspectors to monitor the case. The club’s actions remain under review while the Spanish legal process continues.
UEFA’s latest statement confirmed that Real Madrid’s documents would be added to the material already held in the investigation. The governing body had two other possible courses of action: opening a separate case or withdrawing from the matter. It has rejected both options.
The position means UEFA has retained the existing file while waiting for the Spanish courts to determine whether sporting corruption can be proven. Only if such a finding is made will the organisation consider possible disciplinary measures against Barcelona.
There is reported to be a calm atmosphere at Barcelona because UEFA has simply incorporated Real Madrid’s documents into the investigation it had already opened, rather than starting a new procedure or stepping away from the case.
The Negreira investigation was initially brought to wider attention after the report by Radio Barcelona concerning the prosecutor’s inquiry into payments and declarations linked to Enriquez Negreira. UEFA’s preliminary process has remained open since 2023 as it continues to collect and assess information.
