Real Madrid have called on UEFA to reopen disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona, claiming they possess evidence that strengthens allegations surrounding the long-running “Negreira case”.
In a letter sent to European football’s governing body on Wednesday, the Spanish giants argued that newly identified evidence reinforces suspicions over payments made by Barcelona to companies linked to former refereeing official José María Enríquez Negreira.
The case centres on payments totalling more than €7.3 million allegedly made by Barcelona between 2001 and 2018 to firms owned by Negreira, who served as vice-president of the Spanish Football Federation’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA).
Barcelona have consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the payments were made for legitimate consultancy services and technical reports relating to refereeing matters. However, Spanish prosecutors continue to investigate allegations of corruption and unfair administration.
In its communication to UEFA, Real Madrid said the evidence points to a long-standing system of payments that lacked transparency and verifiable justification.
The club argued that the matter represents a serious threat to the integrity of football competitions, claiming it suggests the existence of an “undue influence” on Spain’s refereeing structure.
According to the letter, Real Madrid believes the allegations are incompatible with the principles of sporting fairness, neutrality, impartiality and competitive equality.
The 15-time European champions also criticised the lack of progress on UEFA’s disciplinary investigation, urging the organisation to take immediate action regardless of the outcome of ongoing criminal proceedings in Spain.
“Real Madrid has urged the immediate resumption of the disciplinary file initiated at the time by UEFA,” the club stated, adding that the prolonged nature of the case risks damaging the credibility of football and its governing institutions.
The club further requested that UEFA exercise its independent authority to adopt any disciplinary or restorative measures deemed necessary to safeguard the integrity and transparency of European competitions.
Real Madrid noted that it remains involved in the criminal proceedings in Spain as a private prosecutor and pledged to continue pursuing all available legal avenues.
The latest development is likely to intensify scrutiny of the Negreira case, one of the most controversial investigations in Spanish football history, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid remaining firmly at odds over the allegations.
