Via Clarifies Negrera Case – hihi2.com

Barcelona President Joan Laporta Addresses Negrera Payments

Barcelona President Joan Laporta delivered a detailed explanation on October 12, 2025, regarding payments made to José María Enríquez Negrera, a former Vice President of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTRA). The controversy, which⁢ surfaced earlier this year, centers around nearly €7.3 million in payments⁣ made over ⁤a 17-year period, raising questions about potential undue influence on match⁤ officiating.

Laporta characterized the payments ⁣as legitimate fees for technical reports provided by Negrera’s company, DASNIL 95. He asserted that thes reports offered Barcelona insights⁣ into refereeing⁣ styles adn tendencies,a practice he maintained was common among professional football clubs. ⁣ He specifically stated that the reports were not intended to influence referees, ⁤but ⁢rather to aid in player readiness and tactical analysis.⁤ Laporta emphasized that Barcelona believed they were receiving⁣ a valuable service,⁢ and that the payments were ⁢properly documented and accounted for.

Defense of ⁣Club Practices

Laporta strongly defended Barcelona’s actions,arguing that the club always acted⁢ in good faith and within the bounds of the law. he presented documentation intended to demonstrate the openness of the payments and the nature ⁢of the services received. He also suggested that other clubs may have engaged in similar practices, though he did not⁣ name specific teams. Laporta further claimed that the accusations‍ were part of a campaign to discredit Barcelona and damage its ⁣reputation.

He detailed that the reports provided by Negrera covered a wide range of ‍topics, including referee interpretations of rules, potential biases, and individual referee characteristics. Barcelona used this information, according ⁢to Laporta, to prepare its players ⁣and coaching staff for matches, ensuring they understood⁤ how referees were likely to⁣ manage the game. He maintained that this⁤ was a standard practice in professional football, aimed at maximizing a team’s competitive advantage.

We have always acted with transparency ⁤and within⁢ the law. These payments were for a legitimate service, and we have ⁤the documentation to prove it.

Ongoing ⁢Investigation and Potential Consequences

Despite laporta’s defense, the investigation remains ongoing. UEFA opened its own investigation in April 2023 to determine whether Barcelona violated UEFA ‍regulations regarding the integrity of competitions. Potential sanctions‍ could include fines, points deductions, or even exclusion from European competitions.

The Spanish courts are also examining the matter, focusing on potential charges of corruption and sporting fraud. The outcome of these investigations will have significant implications for Barcelona and its future participation in both domestic and international football. The club faces a challenging period as it seeks to clear its name and restore its reputation.