UEFA open investigation into Barcelona ref payments scandal

UEFA have opened an investigation into payments made by Barcelona to the former vice president of the refereeing committee in Spain, the body confirmed in a statement on Thursday.

Barca paid Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira over €7 million between 2001 and 2018, with Spanish prosecutors alleging they sought favourable treatment from match officials as part of the agreement.

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The Catalan club have denied any wrongdoing, saying they never «bought referees or influence» and that Negreira was tasked with providing «technical reports on refereeing.»

LaLiga cannot act against Barca because of the statute of limitations in place in Spain, but UEFA could step in and European football's governing body have now confirmed they are looking into the scandal.

«In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have been appointed to conduct an investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework by Barcelona in connection with the so-called 'Caso Negreira,'» the statement said.

UEFA added that «further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.»

Charges filed by prosecutors were last week accepted by a court in Barcelona, with a judge agreeing to investigate the case as other Spanish clubs and sporting institutions added their name to the complaint as claimants.

Spain's Higher Sports Council (CSD) confirmed they would join the prosecutor's cause against Barca and Real Madrid also announced they would join the case «in defence of our legitimate interests» after being the only top-flight club not to sign the initial statement by LaLiga teams condemning Barca's actions.

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