UEFA reopens ‘Negreira case’ after Real Madrid complaint | OneFootball

UEFA confirmed it has received from Real Madrid nearly 500 pages of documents tied to its ongoing probe into Barcelona’s dealings with José María Enríquez Negreira, former vice president of Spain’s referees’ committee. Its Ethics and Disciplinary inspectors will assess the new material as part of their review.

Real Madrid have spent months compiling a dossier after there were no domestic consequences, seeking potential action at international level. The investigative phase is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, with a trial in 2027, despite the judge initially rejecting Madrid’s bid to extend the probe by a further six months.

The club has also rebuilt channels with UEFA and moved closer to the European Club Association. UEFA has reactivated the matter and will consider whether it warrants sanction in light of the submission, while awaiting Barcelona’s response.

Under Article 4 of UEFA’s regulations, a club involved in attempts to fix or influence results can be ruled ineligible for one season. On that basis, Barcelona could be excluded from European competition for a single campaign.

Madrid’s complaint argues the events are of exceptional gravity, undermining competition integrity and trust in refereeing. It urges UEFA to move swiftly to a full conclusion and for the competent bodies to act in line with the seriousness of any proven facts. The club has pledged to keep cooperating to help clarify the case, which centres on payments made over the past two decades.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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