**SPORTGLITZ**
**BARCELONA**
**Real Madrid prepares to challenge Barcelona over referee influence allegations**
by Sportglitz
October 4, 2024
Real Madrid is reportedly gearing up to take a strong stance against Barcelona in light of the ongoing Negreira Case.
According to Catalunya Radio, the Madrid club is committed to pursuing this issue, leading to what can be termed a ‘war’ between the two football powerhouses.
The Negreira Case has been under investigation throughout 2024, scrutinizing Barcelona for alleged sporting corruption linked to payments made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA).
Recent revelations from the Spanish Civil Guard indicated that Barcelona paid Negreira €7.5 million for refereeing advice. However, the so-called “phantom reports” associated with these payments have not been located, raising significant concerns. This term refers to the absence of any actual refereeing documentation linked to the payments, despite the large amount involved.
Barcelona, through statements from President Joan Laporta, has consistently denied any misconduct. Laporta asserts that the payments were for refereeing reports, which he claims were standard practice for clubs at the time. Yet, new findings have called into question the existence of these reports, intensifying the controversy.
Real Madrid remains undeterred despite a court ruling in May that exonerated Barcelona from bribery charges related to the €7.3 million payment to the former referees’ chief. The club continues to push for accountability, and as the investigation proceeds, the rivalry between these two giants is expected to escalate, with Real Madrid determined not to let the issue fade away.
The unfolding case is likely to keep the football world captivated as both clubs await further developments.
