LaLiga president Javier Tebas has once again addressed the ongoing Negreira scandal, a controversy that continues to impact Spanish football. Speaking at an event hosted by Europa Press, Tebas shared his perspective on the matter, highlighting the potential consequences for FC Barcelona if the issue isn’t resolved appropriately in court.
The scandal centers around payments made by FC Barcelona to companies associated with José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), between 1994 and 2018. These payments, totaling millions of euros, have sparked corruption allegations and raised concerns about the integrity of Spanish football.
Tebas was direct in his remarks, stating, “Corruption in sports is a criminal offense, and such cases have no statute of limitations.” He quickly clarified, however, that this does not imply referees were directly bribed or matches were fixed.
The main issue, according to Tebas, is whether these payments were intended to influence decisions related to promotions and relegations in Spanish football. He stressed, “We believe the money Negreira received was meant to influence these processes. This constitutes sporting corruption, and it is not subject to expiration.”
While legal proceedings are ongoing, the sporting implications of the case present a different set of challenges. Tebas explained that by the time the payments were uncovered, the three-year statute of limitations for sporting matters had already passed, preventing LaLiga from imposing immediate sanctions on Barcelona under sporting law.
“If we had the authority, we would have taken necessary disciplinary actions,” Tebas admitted. “Had this been revealed earlier, Barcelona would have faced relegation. That is what I have always said.”
The case has sparked strong reactions, particularly from FC Barcelona’s management and supporters. Club president Joan Laporta has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, claiming the payments were for legitimate advisory services rather than an attempt to manipulate referees.
Despite Laporta’s defense, the investigation continues, with Spanish authorities and UEFA keeping a close watch on the situation. Sporting sanctions from European bodies remain a possibility, particularly if new evidence surfaces implicating Barcelona further.
Tebas also criticized Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez for his handling of the situation. “The Negreira case became public in February 2023, and Pérez, who was on the Spanish Football Federation’s board until November of that year, stayed silent. His aggressive comments now are irrelevant,” he remarked.
The ongoing tension between Tebas and Barcelona is well-known, with frequent clashes over financial regulations, governance issues, and, more recently, the European Super League, a project both Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to support.
The scandal has placed Barcelona in the spotlight but has also raised broader concerns about the credibility of LaLiga. While no concrete evidence of match-fixing has emerged, the possibility of referee-related influence has cast a shadow over the league’s reputation.
For Barcelona, the consequences could be severe if the courts rule against them. A guilty verdict could lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and potential sanctions from bodies like FIFA and UEFA. In the worst case, Barcelona could face exclusion from European competitions or even relegation.
This uncertainty compounds the club’s already existing issues, including financial struggles and the challenge of maintaining competitiveness both domestically and internationally. Barcelona is already under scrutiny from LaLiga regarding its compliance with financial fair play rules, which could limit its ability to sign players in the future.
Ultimately, Barcelona’s future depends on the outcome of the legal proceedings. If the club can successfully defend itself, it may avoid harsh penalties. However, a guilty verdict could have devastating consequences for one of football’s most prestigious clubs.
Regardless of the final outcome, the Negreira case has left a significant impact on Spanish football, underscoring the importance of transparency and integrity in the sport and the potential consequences of financial and ethical misconduct.
For now, Barcelona’s fans, players, and officials must wait as the legal battle unfolds. While relegation seems unlikely at this stage, Tebas’ warning is a stark reminder that no club is exempt from the rules of the game.
