The latest development in the ongoing FC Barcelona controversy confirms that the club will not face sporting sanctions for the allegations of payments made to former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. La Liga president Javier Tebas confirmed in a statement that it is impossible for there to be sporting sanctions against the club as the statute of limitations for such offenses has expired.
“It is impossible for there to be sporting sanctions, the statute of limitations would have expired,”
Javier Tebas
However, despite not facing sporting sanctions, the club is still under investigation by the Barcelona justice system for possible cases of corruption. The ongoing scandal puts Barcelona in a position where the club must work hard to salvage their public image and prevent any further damage to their reputation.
The club is facing serious allegations, including claims that they made payments of €1.4 million ($1.5 million) to Negreira for providing advice on how players should behave towards referees and for providing tips on what they can or cannot do depending on the referee officiating a certain match. While the allegations have not resulted in sporting sanctions, they have undoubtedly had an impact on the club’s reputation and the wider world of football.
“Another thing is criminal proceedings or a corruption offence between private individuals. We have to wait for the public prosecutor’s office. If there is a complaint, we will have to appear. Ethically and aesthetically this cannot happen in Spanish football,”
Javier Tebas
Barcelona is one of the most successful football clubs in history, with a proud tradition and reputation for excellence. The scandal has undoubtedly been a difficult time for Barcelona, but it is important for the club to learn from the experience and take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.