FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the ongoing inquiry involving Barcelona, which is accused of paying the former head of the refereeing department to influence officials. Infantino emphasized that FIFA monitors football developments worldwide. He noted the concern triggered by unsettling events and stressed the need for a careful look at the Spanish situation to determine effective remedies. He urged all parties to act decisively and pursue solutions. The remarks were reported by El País.
On March 10, Spanish prosecutors lodged a criminal complaint against Barcelona over a 7.3 million euro payment to Enrique Negreira, the former director of the refereeing department at the RFEF. If Barcelona is found guilty in this matter, the club could face disciplinary actions that might include exclusion from competitions and, in extreme cases, dissolution, according to current Brazilian and Spanish-press discussions. The exact consequences will depend on the judicial process and any resulting sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Football Federation is conducting its own internal review. It has urged the public to remain calm to avoid stoking tensions within the refereeing committee. The federation stressed that football justice requires time and transparency and called for prudent handling as the inquiry unfolds.
In related comments, Gerard Pique, the former Barcelona defender and ex-partner of Shakira, commented publicly in relation to matters involving Dani Alves, who faces serious charges and is detained in a Catalan facility. The remarks contribute to a broader conversation about responsibility and accountability within the club and the sport at large, echoing calls for due process and careful scrutiny of all involved parties.