Barcelona president confronted by Real Madrid over hidden payments and missing reports in Negreira trial | OneFootball

The Negreira case has entered a decisive and increasingly delicate phase.

However, the story from here is not going to be easy as recent developments from AS have confirmed that Real Madrid have chosen to actively participate in the proceedings by bringing a private prosecutor.

It is to be noted that Barcelona continue to maintain their stance that the payments made to companies linked to former CTA vice-president Enrique Negreira were for technical advisory services related to refereeing criteria, not for influencing on-field decisions. 

From the Blaugrana point of view, this distinction remains central to their defence and has not changed despite the growing pressure surrounding the case.

What is Real Madrid’s role?

The appearance of Joan Laporta before the court marked a key moment. 

During his testimony, Barcelona’s president was questioned extensively, particularly following the intervention of Real Madrid’s legal representatives. 

One of the most sensitive points raised concerned the sharp increase in payments over time. 

Barcelona’s position has consistently been that the evolution of fees corresponded to changes in scope and duration of advisory services, not to any hidden agenda. 

Joan Laporta recently gave his testimony. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Another area under scrutiny was the involvement of Negreira’s son and the nature of the reports allegedly produced. 

Barcelona do have a point

Barcelona insist that the lack of preserved documentation from two decades ago cannot automatically be interpreted as wrongdoing, especially given changes in management, record-keeping systems and sporting staff over the years. 

From within the club, there is frustration that former coaches being unable to recall specific reports is being framed as evidence rather than a circumstantial limitation.

Questions surrounding tax declarations and the origin of the payments have also become a focal point. 

Barcelona’s legal strategy is centred on demonstrating that any administrative inconsistencies do not equate to sporting corruption. 

Relationship broken

What is clear from Barcelona’s side is that relations with Real Madrid have reached their lowest point in years. 

While that institutional tension is evident, Barcelona remain adamant that the judicial outcome should not be influenced by rivalry or public pressure. 

In fact, there is a firm belief that once the process reaches its conclusion, the absence of concrete evidence linking payments to refereeing influence will be decisive.