Barcelona’s place in Europe remains unaffected as UEFA continues its existing investigation into the Negreira case, with the club insisting that no fresh disciplinary procedure has been launched following documentation submitted by Real Madrid.
The Catalan side said UEFA’s latest communication has been wrongly portrayed as a reopening or revival of a case. Barcelona’s position is that the file has remained active since it began in 2023 and was never formally closed.
Quick facts
- UEFA opened its investigation in 2023 and appointed two investigators.
- Real Madrid has supplied documents for consideration within that ongoing process.
- Barcelona says it has received no new request from UEFA and has not been sent Madrid’s complaint.
- The UEFA matter remains linked to criminal proceedings taking place in Spain.
- Barcelona has continued to receive UEFA licences and play in European competitions throughout the investigation.
Barcelona said the two investigators appointed by UEFA have taken the steps they considered necessary since the inquiry was established. The club added that it has complied with every request made of it during that period.
In Barcelona’s reading of UEFA’s statement, the governing body simply acknowledged receipt of material provided by Real Madrid. It said the investigators will examine that material as part of the case already under way, rather than through a separate file.
The club pointed to UEFA’s references to an investigation and review that are still in progress. It argued that the communication made no judgement on either the substance or the relevance of Madrid’s submission.
For now, Barcelona said the investigators have neither asked it for further information nor formally shared Real Madrid’s complaint. The club said it will respond when required, as it says it has done throughout the process.
Any UEFA decision is bound to the Spanish criminal case under the applicable regulations, Barcelona said. The European inquiry will remain subject to developments in those proceedings.
Inside the club, there is confidence that UEFA had the option of beginning another procedure but chose not to do so. Barcelona also believes there has been excessive attention on additional material entering an investigation that was already open.
The club is frustrated by what it sees as an attempt by Real Madrid to damage Barcelona’s reputation and prolong the affair. Barcelona again pledged full cooperation with the relevant authorities while calling for accuracy in coverage of the case.
