Barcelona Breaks Ties with Sevilla Amid Negreira Case Controversy
The Catalan club issued a strong statement after Sevilla chose not to attend the directors’ lunch before the La Liga clash, citing concerns related to the Negreira case. Barcelona announced on Friday that it would sever its relationship with Sevilla, a decision shared publicly at the start of the match between the two teams at the Olympic Luis Companys stadium. Sevilla had said it would skip the boxed seating area as a sign of respect for the competition and for its fans, while the controversy surrounding the Negreira case continues to cast a shadow over the encounter.
For fans seeking real-time updates, live coverage of Barcelona versus Sevilla is available. Readers can stay informed through the Goal.com Telegram channel, where ongoing Barça news is posted. Subscribing is free and easy for those who want immediate updates on the club’s activities and match-day developments.
Barcelona released its full response, stating that it rejects what it calls an unjustified and inappropriate attack by Sevilla FC. The statement notes that Sevilla refused to participate in the institutional lunch held for directors before the match and declined to attend the box of honor. It adds that Sevilla issued a public statement expressing indignation and rejection of the alleged practices of former Barcelona leaders connected to the Negreira case, labeling this an attack on the Catalan institution and an unacceptable offense.
Barcelona argues that the Negreira case should not be used to justify such actions. It emphasizes that the legal proceedings are in an early investigative stage and that Sevilla’s stance effectively preempts facts that have not been proven. The club asserts that a court decision issued recently does not alter Barcelona’s factual or legal standing in the ongoing proceedings. Barcelona describes the court development as legally questionable and notes that it will be evaluated by the club through proper channels as the case progresses.
According to Barcelona, President Joan Laporta had already engaged in an extraordinary La Liga meeting to address the matter, providing explanations and clarifications. The club criticizes Sevilla for praising the presumption of innocence while simultaneously limiting Barcelona’s ability to participate fully in related legal processes. Barcelona declares that it will suspend all relations with Sevilla until the Andalusian club corrects its current position.
Sevilla’s response to the situation reiterates its concern about the Negreira case and the related allegations of bribery involving Barcelona and some former leaders. The club states its outrage and rejects the practices attributed to Barcelona’s former leaders, asserting that the described actions could constitute crimes according to reporting by the investigative authorities. Sevilla also announces the suspension of protocol activities related to an upcoming La Liga match and confirms it will not be represented in the Montjuïc stadium box. The aim, according to Sevilla, is to show deep respect for Barcelona members and subscribers as well as the club’s own staff who work with Barcelona on a daily basis and are implicated indirectly in the events under review.
Sevilla further expresses respect for the Spanish justice system, the presumption of innocence, and any potential court decisions that could be made. The club hopes that the investigation will move forward with all due process and that any conclusions will be reached in a manner that preserves the integrity of the competition. Sevilla also calls on the relevant federation bodies to ensure ongoing fairness across all matches in which Sevilla participated during the examined periods.
Both clubs frame their dispute within the broader context of competition, governance, and legal process. The exchange highlights how sports organizations navigate agreements, institutional lunches, and the visibility of leadership decisions when alleged misconduct enters the public arena. As the case continues to unfold, fans and stakeholders await further clarity on the facts and the implications for the teams involved.
Citation: Goal