La Liga president Javier Tebas has spoken out about the ongoing controversy surrounding allegations of payments made to former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, by Barca. Tebas clarified that, in the world of sports, the Negreira case consists of objective facts, and no sports entity can seek a sanction because of this. Therefore, La Liga has decided not to file a complaint and instead allow the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the case.
Tebas also revealed that there are indications of strange and unusual events surrounding the payments made to Negreira, and that these must be clarified. He suggested that Barcelona may be the victim of a scammer, but refused to rule out the possibility that the club was involved in something more malicious.
Barça could be the victim of a scammer. I’ve seen everything. I’ve seen manipulations, attempted manipulations, people who received money from two clubs… We’re all older. So many years… it would be surprising. “In the criminal sphere, you must clear up. And if it goes to court, we’ll be there. If Barcelona has been involved, let them pay the consequences. Also legal entities. Negreira for fraud, or both. It wouldn’t surprise me either, the way I see it.”
Javier Tebas
The La Liga chief also admitted that there may be sports consequences for Barcelona in the criminal sphere, depending on the results of the ongoing investigation. If the club is found to be involved in any wrongdoing, they will have to face the consequences, both legally and within the sporting realm.
Tebas also clarified that La Liga cannot seek sporting sanctions against Barcelona in this matter, due to the case being made up of objective facts, and that a complaint by La Liga would hinder the ongoing criminal investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office.
“In the criminal sphere, there may be sports consequences. We have to see what the Prosecutor’s Office sees”
Javier Tebas
The ongoing controversy surrounding the payments made to Negreira has cast a shadow over Barca’s reputation and has caused concern among their fans. It remains to be seen what the results of the criminal investigation will reveal, and how it will impact the club’s future. Stay tuned for more Barca news.