In response to the reports published regarding the alleged reactivation of the UEFA proceedings in the Negreira case, FC Barcelona wishes to make the following clarifications: 

UEFA has not opened any new proceedings against FC Barcelona. The proceedings were initiated in 2023, with the appointment of two investigators who have since carried out the action they deemed appropriate. The Club has always complied with all their requests. These proceedings have not been reopened because they have never been closed. 

The UEFA statement confirms receipt of documentation submitted by Real Madrid and indicates that the investigators will assess it within the framework of the existing investigation. The same text expressly refers, on two occasions, to an investigation and a review that are “ongoing.” It therefore does not announce the opening, reopening, or reactivation of any proceedings, nor does it contain any assessment of the substance or value of the documentation provided. 

It is up to the investigators to determine what action, if any, they consider appropriate regarding this documentation. As of today, they have not made any new requests to FC Barcelona nor have they forwarded Real Madrid’s complaint to the Club. Should they do so, the Club will respond accordingly, as it has done up to now. 

In accordance with the applicable legislation governing this matter, these proceedings are subject to the outcome of the criminal case currently being heard in Spain and will continue to be so.

Since the investigation began, FC Barcelona has continued to obtain its UEFA licence without objection and has participated in UEFA competitions.

To facilitate the verification of the information, we reproduce below the full original text of UEFA’s statement:

«UEFA can confirm that it has received from Real Madrid CF a substantial amount of documents related to the ongoing investigation into FC Barcelona in the matter involving José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (the so-called “Negreira matter”).

The UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have also received these latest documents which they will assess as part of their ongoing review.»

FC Barcelona reiterates its full cooperation with the competent authorities and calls for rigour and accuracy in the reporting of this procedure.

 

Força Barça