Barcelona could face a ban from the Champions League if they are found guilty on charges of corruption.
The La Liga leaders are currently under investigation for corruption after it was discovered that they had paid the former vice president of Spanish football’s refereeing committee millions over almost two decades.
Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira received € 7.3 million from Barcelona between the years 2001 and 2018.
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The Catalan club have denied the allegations and claimed that the payments were for ‘reports’ from Negreira on other referees
Now UEFA has joined in and has decided to launch their own investigation into the allegations, if found guilty Barcelona could be banned from playing in their competition next season.
Official: UEFA opens an investigation into the ‘Negreira case’ for Barcelona 🔴 #FCB
“In accordance with Article 31.4. UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors will carry out an investigation into a possible violation of UEFA’s legal framework”. pic.twitter.com/3JxChKvJ0c
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 23, 2023
UEFA will investigate the Negreira Case. Barcelona indicted for “corruption”, “breach of trust” & “false business records”. Prosecutors allege Barca made multiple payments totaling £7.4m to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira for favourable refereeing decisions. Barca deny wrongdoing. pic.twitter.com/sXL51vIoQ7
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 23, 2023