Real Madrid has formally urged the Union of European Football Associations to impose disciplinary sanctions on FC Barcelona over payments made to former Spanish refereeing official José María Enríquez Negreira.
According to reports, Real Madrid submitted a statement to UEFA’s disciplinary bodies, arguing that evidence gathered in the ongoing “Negreira Case” points to a prolonged and unjustified financial relationship between Barcelona and companies linked to the former refereeing official.
Barcelona reportedly paid more than €7 million to entities associated with Negreira between 2001 and 2018.
The Catalan club has consistently maintained that the payments were for technical reports and consultancy services relating to referees and has denied any attempt to influence match officials.
However, Real Madrid contended that available evidence indicates “prolonged, opaque payments lacking any verifiable justification” and suggested that the arrangement undermined the integrity of football competitions.
The club further alleged that the case revealed the existence of a structure capable of exerting undue influence over Spain’s refereeing system, which it said was incompatible with the principles of fairness, neutrality and competitive balance.
Real Madrid called on UEFA to revive disciplinary proceedings opened in 2023 following revelations about the payments.
The Spanish giants argued that failure to act could damage public confidence in football institutions and competitions.
UEFA launched an investigation into the matter in 2023 through its ethics and disciplinary bodies but has not publicly disclosed any findings.
Responding to inquiries on the latest submission, UEFA declined comment, maintaining that its disciplinary processes operate independently and that it does not discuss ongoing investigations.
The payments are also being examined by Spanish judicial authorities in a separate legal process.
The dispute has further strained relations between Spain’s two biggest football clubs, which have already clashed over issues including the proposed European Super League project.
Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, recently described the Negreira affair as “the biggest scandal in history,” alleging that the purported influence over referees may have deprived his club of several domestic titles.
Barcelona rejected the allegations and has threatened legal action against Pérez, accusing him of making false and damaging statements.
The club has reportedly initiated legal steps seeking a retraction of comments it described as defamatory and harmful to its reputation.
The latest development places renewed focus on UEFA’s handling of the Negreira case, with Real Madrid pressing for sporting sanctions while Barcelona continues to deny wrongdoing and defend its position before both football authorities and the courts.
