Just in: UEFA begin investigation in Negreira case after Real Madrid submit dossier against Barcelona | OneFootball

UEFA has opened an investigation into FC Barcelona in connection with the Negreira case after receiving an extensive dossier from Real Madrid.

The material contains around 50,000 pages, thousands of documents and statements from various parties.

UEFA’s official statement

UEFA confirmed that it had received the documentation from Real Madrid and that its ethics and disciplinary inspectors would assess the material.

“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, former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (the so-called ‘Negreira case’).

“The UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have also received these latest documents, which they will assess as part of their ongoing review of the case.”

Florentino Perez has been at war against Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The move means UEFA has formally opened disciplinary proceedings relating to the case, with the European governing body now examining matters that may have occurred between 2001 and 2018.

While the sporting authorities in Spain consider some aspects of the case to be time-barred, UEFA’s jurisdiction operates under its own regulations.

UEFA wants to establish the purpose of those payments, what Barcelona sought through them and whether the relationship and the reports commissioned from Negreira had any influence beyond the services the club has described.

The documentation submitted by Real Madrid is now being examined by the inspector appointed to the case, after UEFA considered the matter serious enough to open a formal file.

The matter is now in UEFA’s hands. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The next stage will involve a detailed examination of the evidence, gathering information directly from those involved and taking statements where necessary. Barcelona will also have the opportunity to submit its arguments and respond to the allegations.

Possible sporting consequences

Real Madrid have asked UEFA to strip Barcelona of the titles won during the period in which the club made payments to Negreira.

UEFA regulations also give the organisation the power to prevent a club from participating in its competitions if it determines that the club has attempted to manipulate the natural order of a competition.

Source: AS