The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has made an official public statement regarding the Barcelona scandal, underscoring its active participation in the matter and its full cooperation with the authorities. The federation also announced that an internal review is underway to understand every facet of the situation. The tone of the release communicates a commitment to transparency and a readiness to support the investigative process while ensuring that procedures stay on track and the sport’s integrity remains intact.
According to the statement, the moment the Barcelona court accepted the prosecution’s complaint related to payments made to José María Enrique Negreira, the former deputy chairman of the club’s refereeing committee, the RFEF mobilized its resources and engaged with the case. After a thorough assessment, the federation submitted a comprehensive ethics report along with all pertinent documents to the UEFA Ethics Director. This step reflects the organization’s broader aim to align national oversight with continental standards and to ensure that any issues are examined through multiple, independent perspectives.
The federation emphasized its close collaboration with authorities tasked with handling the inquiry, noting that the report referenced in the initial release has been provided to the Barcelona office and the arbitral tribunal for review. While the internal probe proceeds, the RFEF urged calm among supporters and the wider football community to prevent heightened tensions toward arbitration bodies. The statement highlighted that uncontrolled reactions can harm the sport and that justice requires time and a clear, open process. The call was for transparency and steady conduct as investigations unfold, with football’s reputation at stake and a duty to maintain confidence among fans, players, and clubs alike.
On March 10, prosecutors in Spain filed a criminal complaint against Barcelona over the 7.3 million euro payment linked to Enrique Negreira, who formerly led the refereeing department within the federation’s structure. If evidence confirms culpability, major sanctions could follow, potentially affecting Barcelona’s participation in future competitions or triggering other penalties under the sport’s governance framework. The gravity of the case lies in its potential to test the integrity of match-official processes and the mechanisms that ensure fair play across the league system, amplifying the importance of rigorous scrutiny and accountability at every level.
Earlier reporting noted that prosecutors expressed a desire to question former Barça coaches Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde as part of the bribery of judges inquiry, illustrating the broad reach of the investigation and its implications for multiple figures connected to the club. The evolving narrative underscores the critical need for robust governance, clear ethical guidelines, and transparent enforcement to uphold the credibility of professional football in Spain and beyond. As the case continues to unfold, the football community watches closely, seeking reassurance that the sport’s governance bodies operate with vigilance, impartiality, and a steadfast commitment to the highest standards of conduct.