Judge extends investigation into Negreira case by six more months | OneFootball

As reported by MARCA, the judge overseeing the Negreira case has decided to extend the investigation for another six months, arguing that the inquiry could still take longer since Barcelona have not yet given their statement as an investigated party.

In a ruling dated February 18, the judge of Barcelona’s Court of Instruction No. 1, Alejandra Gil, approved the extension following a request from the prosecution, which was also supported by Real Madrid as one of the private accusers in the case.

Why the investigation continues

The case, which has been under investigation since 2023, focuses on payments made by Barcelona to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA).

Barça have always maintained that the payments were in exchange for technical reports on referees and scout reports on players. And, there has been no evidence to suggest that there was an attempt to influence referees. But the matter continues to be investigated.

According to the judge, the investigation may need more time because the club has not yet been formally questioned as an investigated entity.

Laporta has already testified in court in the Negreira case investigation. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The statement could lead to new investigative steps depending on the explanations the club provides.

Barcelona summoned in April

As part of the proceedings, Barcelona has been summoned to testify on April 10. The club will be represented by former vice-president Elena Fort, who stepped down from her role in February in order to participate in the club’s presidential elections.

The elections are scheduled for March 15, with current president Joan Laporta running again.

This is not the first time the investigation has been extended. Six months ago, the judge also prolonged the case because the inquiry had progressed slowly while waiting for testimony from former Barcelona presidents: Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Both gave statements as suspects on September 18, while Laporta testified as a witness on December 12. Meanwhile, former managers Ernesto Valverde and Luis Enrique have also given their statements.

The new extension means the investigation into the alleged payments to Negreira will continue at least until late summer, with further developments depending largely on Barcelona’s upcoming testimony.