Yahoo Sports Real Madrid decides to go to ‘war’ with Barcelona over referee influence allegations
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to take a strong stance against Barcelona regarding the ongoing Negreira Case.
According to a recent report from Catalunya Radio, the Madrid club seems determined to pursue the matter further, sparking what can be described as a ‘war’ between the two football giants.
The Negreira Case has been under investigation throughout 2024, with Barcelona being scrutinised for alleged sporting corruption.
The focus of the investigation is on payments made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, who previously held the position of vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA).
The Phantom reports
A few months ago, it was revealed that the Spanish Civil Guard had concluded that Barcelona paid Negreira a total of €7.5 million for refereeing advice.
However, these so-called “phantom reports” have not been found, raising serious concerns. The term “phantom reports” refers to the fact that no actual refereeing reports linked to these payments have surfaced, despite the substantial sum involved.
Meanwhile, Barcelona, through official communication from President Joan Laporta, have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Laporta has repeatedly claimed that the payments were made in exchange for refereeing reports, which he insists were common practice for football clubs during that period.
However, recent findings have cast doubt on the existence of such reports, further fuelling the controversy.
Real Madrid are not giving up
Despite a court ruling that Barcelona would not face bribery charges over the €7.3 million paid to the former referees’ chief in May, Real Madrid remain persistent in their pursuit of the issue.
The club has not backed down and appears determined to hold Barcelona accountable. As the investigation continues, the rivalry between these two football giants is only set to intensify, with Real Madrid unwilling to let the matter rest.
The ongoing case will likely keep the football world on edge as both clubs await further developments.
