UEFA-appointed inspectors have concluded that FC Barcelona should be prohibited from playing in the Champions League for one season due to their involvement in the 'Caso Negreira' referee payments scandal. The inspectors, Jean Samuel Leuba and Mirjam Koller Trunz, believe that Barca violated UEFA's laws and attempted to influence match outcomes. The final decision rests with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, who may wait for the Spanish court's ruling or act on the recommendations of the inspectors.
FC Barcelona Faces UEFA Ban for Referee Payments Scandal
UEFA inspectors have recommended a one-season ban from the Champions League for FC Barcelona over allegations of illicit payments to referees.
Background
In February 2023, Spanish media outlets reported that FC Barcelona had paid over €1.4 million to José María Enríquez Negreira, a former vice-president of the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) Technical Committee of Referees. The payments are alleged to have been made between 2016 and 2018, while Negreira was in an influential position.
UEFA Investigation
UEFA launched an investigation into the matter on March 16, 2023, appointing inspectors Jean Samuel Leuba and Mirjam Koller Trunz. After examining evidence and interviewing key individuals, the inspectors concluded that FC Barcelona had violated UEFA's regulations.
Findings
The inspectors found that the club breached article 11 of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations, which prohibits clubs from "exerting any influence whatsoever on referees or other match officials." They also allegedly offered payments to influence the outcomes of the matches.
Recommended Sanctions
Based on their findings, the inspectors recommended that FC Barcelona be banned from the Champions League for one season. The club could also face a fine and the deduction of points in domestic competitions.
UEFA President's Decision
The final decision rests with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. He may wait for the ruling of the Spanish court, which is conducting its own investigation into the scandal, or act on the recommendations of the inspectors.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is FC Barcelona being investigated?
For allegedly making illicit payments to a former vice-president of the Spanish Football Federation's Technical Committee of Referees.
2. What are the allegations against FC Barcelona?
That they paid over €1.4 million to influence the outcomes of matches.
3. What is UEFA's recommended sanction?
A one-season ban from the Champions League.
4. Who is José María Enríquez Negreira?
A former vice-president of the Spanish Football Federation's Technical Committee of Referees who allegedly received payments from FC Barcelona.
5. What is the status of the investigation?
UEFA inspectors have recommended a one-season ban for FC Barcelona, but the final decision rests with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
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