FC Barcelona has been embarrassed by the so-called Negreira affair for a month.
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We’ve already told you about it on these pages, but a reminder is in order. Long story short, Barca are suspected of corrupting referee José Maria Enriquez Negreira for almost twenty years.
The Catalan club have been accused by Spanish prosecutors of paying more than 7.3 million euros (CA$10.8 million) to the referee between 2001 and 2018.
But there is more. According to El Confidencial, club president Joan Laporta also paid nearly €750,000 (CA$1.1 million) to Nogreira’s son in 2004.
Effects
Although it was revealed on Tuesday that Spanish prosecutors found no evidence that Barca’s payments to Negreira affected any results, it’s far from over and damage has already been done. Awaiting the outcome of the court case, everyone at the Blaugrana offices is on high alert.
First of all, we fear that this whole affair could damage the image of the globally influential club.
“Barça may have a reputation problem, for example with a sponsor who doesn’t want their name to be associated with a dark history,” economist Ivan Cabeza told L’Équipe.
“In terms of image, it’s disastrous. There are always suspicions of corruption at Barca. The price of TV rights will certainly come down. The damage to La Liga is inevitable,” said Ramon Calderon, Real Madrid president from 2006 to 2009 and also quoted in L’Équipe.
sports penalties
This case goes far beyond the legal aspect and the brand image of the association. It could well have an impact on the sporting level.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has already threatened a recruitment ban. Barça could therefore have to sell players before recruiting others to restore the balance linked to financial fair play.
UEFA launched an investigation on Thursday and is not ruling out the possibility of a crackdown. Barca could potentially be kicked out of the Champions League.
It’s certainly a case that hasn’t finished spilling ink and one that we’ll be following like a soap opera.
lead screed
The file, which has not been classified for a long time, now covers the bat like a plank of lead with every move he makes. On March 2, on the occasion of the Spanish Cup semi-final against Real Madrid, Madrid supporters organized an anti-corruption demonstration.
Things haven’t improved since then. During a game in Bilbao last weekend, Barca were attacked by opposing fans.
They did not hesitate to sing songs calling for the legendary club to be dismissed from the second division.
Stunning
When suspicions arose, Negreira first mentioned that he had been commissioned by FC Barcelona to ensure “referee neutrality”.
It’s important to remember that the man was Vice President of Arbitration from 1994 to 2018. There’s something completely bewildering, even unreal, about Barça’s initial reaction.
“FC Barcelona have in the past used the services of an external technical consultant who prepared technical reports on players in the lower tiers in Spain. The relationship was supplemented by technical reports related to arbitration proceedings. »
It is a strong coffee and does not convince anyone because of the large sums.
RONALDO AND THE GOLDEN CAMEL
Photo: AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo, in action in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last weekend.
Cirstiano Ronaldo has scored nine goals in eight games since joining the Saudi Pro League with club Al Nassr but he still has critics in Saudi Arabia. Last weekend in a game against Al Ittihad we chanted Lionel Messi’s name to distract him. But on social media, the action is fun. Funny people came up with a video where we see how he receives the Golden Camel, which is a parody of the Golden Ball.
THIS IS THE END FOR ÖZIL
After a 17-year career, Germany midfielder Mesut Özil announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down at the age of just 34. He wore the colors of Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 and Arsenal from 2013 to 2021. Despite being born in Germany, Özil, of Turkish descent, has been making one last lap in his homeland since spending the past few months in Istanbul at the Basaksehir club.
THE SALES PROCESS OF MAN U CONTINUES
Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe had until last Wednesday to make a new offer to the Raine Group, which is handling the process of selling Manchester United for the Glazer family. According to Sky Sports, the two groups have submitted a new offer. Also according to Sky Sports, initial bids were in the 4.5 billion (CA$7.6 billion) range, a far cry from the 6 billion (CA$10.1 billion) expected from the Glazers.
THE UNITED STATES GOES AHEAD
The history of coach Gregg Berhalter and Gio Reyna’s parents finally seems to be behind the United States national team. Ahead of the holidays, the Reyna couple have disclosed a history of domestic violence involving Berhalter more than twenty years ago. However, the latter was cleared of everything and remains a candidate to regain his position as his contract expired on December 31. “What happened to Gio is a thing of the past and what happened at the Cup happened at the World Cup, we went on,” said Tim Ream. Reyna is part of the USA squad taking part in CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers in the coming days.
games to watch
CANADA vs. CURACAO
Qualifying for the CONCACAF Nations League continues and those two games are crucial for Canada, who are second in the group behind Honduras.
HONDURAS vs. CANADA
The game against Honduras will be all the more important as the Maple Leaf finds itself just behind its Honduran rival in the standings.
LIVERPOOL vs. MANCHESTER CITY
City have 61 points and sit second in the Premier League, eight points behind Arsenal. This match in hand could allow him to close the gap significantly.
BARCELONA vs. MOOSE
Barca sit first in the La Liga table with 68 points, 12 more than Raeal Madrid. This game against the worst team in the league could allow him to inflate his lead.