Real Madrid has formally submitted a comprehensive body of evidence to UEFA concerning allegations that Barcelona made illicit payments to a former official of Spain’s refereeing committee. The La Liga champions described the submission as containing proof of “extraordinary gravity” linked to the disputed financial dealings.
UEFA confirmed on Thursday that it would evaluate the new materials as part of its continuing examination of the case, which centers on claims that Barcelona paid approximately 8.4 million euros (£7.2m) to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira between 2001 and 2018. The governing body characterized the document as “substantial” and stated that ethics and disciplinary inspectors are reviewing it.
According to reports, the dossier submitted by Real Madrid comprises more than 50,000 pages. The club argues that the contents directly impact the integrity of competitions and erode trust in the refereeing system.
In a statement released Thursday, Real Madrid urged officials to move the investigation forward swiftly and to make decisions commensurate with the severity of the facts. The club emphasized that they seek a complete resolution to the matter.
Barcelona has consistently denied any wrongdoing since the allegations surfaced in 2023. The club maintains that the funds paid to Negreira and his company, Dasnil 95, were legitimate fees for scouting and technical analysis regarding match officials. While previous reports suggested the money may have been intended to bribe referees, Barcelona has strenuously rejected those accusations.
In response to Real Madrid’s latest move, Barcelona stated that UEFA has not initiated any new legal proceedings against them. The club noted that investigators were appointed in 2023 and have since performed their duties. They added that the proceedings have neither reopened nor closed, and as of now, no new requests have been made of the club, nor has Real Madrid’s complaint been forwarded to them.
Barcelona further clarified that the file is subject to the outcome of ongoing criminal proceedings in Spain. If UEFA were to forward the complaint, the club said they would respond in accordance with applicable legislation.
The case first gained prominence during a tax authority investigation in 2023. UEFA’s investigators initially decided that month that Barcelona would not face sanctions, allowing the club to continue participating in European competitions. Meanwhile, a court in Barcelona has been examining the case since June, though that investigation remains active.
Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, stated in March 2023 that the football league itself could not take action because the events occurred too far in the past. He described the situation as time-barred under sports law but noted it remains viable under criminal law.
I just want answers. Why does football governance always feel so slow and opaque when scandals break?
How is this still active after eight years? It feels like UEFA is dragging its feet to avoid real consequences for anyone.
Is it really bribery or just paid consulting? Barcelona’s explanation sounds plausible on the surface, though the timing is suspicious.
Over 50,000 pages? Real Madrid is bringing a firehose to a duel. They want every detail scrutinized.