More trouble for Barcelona as UEFA opens investigation into referee payments

UEFA has opened an investigation into the Negreira referee payments scandal in what would be more trouble for Barcelona.

The LaLiga giants made payments totalling €7.3 million to a former vice-president of the Referee’s Committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, between 2001 and 2018.

Barca have been officially charged with corruption.

But it has now been confirmed that UEFA will be getting involved in the case.

A statement from European football’s governing body reads: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have today been appointed to conduct an investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework by FC Barcelona in connection with the so-called ‘Caso Negreira’.

“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

Barcelona insist they have not done anything illegal nor have they earned favour from referees because of the payments made to Negreira.