Real Madrid have formally called on UEFA to impose what they described as “firm” and “exemplary” disciplinary sanctions on Barcelona over payments made to former Spanish refereeing official José María Enríquez Negreira.
In a submission to UEFA’s disciplinary bodies, Real Madrid argued that evidence from the ongoing “Negreira case” points to what they claim was a long-running and unjustified relationship between Barcelona and the former vice-president of Spain’s refereeing committee.
Between 2001 and 2018, Barcelona reportedly paid more than €7 million to companies linked to Negreira. The Catalan club has maintained that the payments were for technical reports and consultancy on refereeing matters, denying any attempt to influence match officials.
Real Madrid, however, insist the evidence suggests otherwise, alleging “prolonged, opaque payments lacking any verifiable justification” routed through corporate structures associated with Negreira.
The club further argued that the case raises serious concerns about the integrity of the game, claiming it revealed “a structure of undue influence over the refereeing body incompatible with the principles of competitive fairness, neutrality, impartiality, and unpredictability of sporting outcomes.”
Madrid urged UEFA to reopen disciplinary proceedings initiated in 2023 when the payments first became public, insisting that football authorities must act decisively.
According to the club, “the continuation of this situation seriously compromises the credibility of football, its institutions, and its leaders,” adding that it expects “a firm, exemplary, and immediate response in the sporting sphere, regardless of ongoing judicial processes.”
UEFA opened an investigation in 2023 through its ethics and disciplinary inspectors to determine whether Barcelona breached European football regulations, though no update has been issued publicly since.
UEFA, when asked about Real Madrid’s latest submission, declined to comment, reiterating that its disciplinary bodies operate independently and do not discuss ongoing matters.
The Negreira payments are also being examined by Spanish judicial authorities. The renewed push from Real Madrid further intensifies tensions between Spain’s two biggest clubs, whose relationship has worsened in recent months amid disputes over the European Super League project.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has been outspoken on the issue, previously describing the Negreira case as “the biggest scandal in history” and alleging it may have cost the club as many as seven La Liga titles.
Barcelona has strongly rejected those claims and has threatened legal action against Pérez. The club recently filed a conciliation request ahead of a possible criminal complaint, accusing him of making false and damaging statements.
Barcelona said the move seeks a retraction of what it called “slanderous and offensive” remarks against its reputation.
The dispute continues to place renewed pressure on UEFA’s handling of the case, with Real Madrid demanding sporting sanctions while Barcelona maintains its denial of wrongdoing and continues to defend itself in both legal and sporting arenas.
