Negreira case investigation concludes after testimony from former Barcelona staff

The investigation into the Negreira case involving Barcelona has concluded after former Barcelona B coach Gerard Lopez and former team delegate Toni Alonso gave evidence to a judge.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, both men acknowledged that reports prepared by the son of Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira were used to gain a better understanding of refereeing decisions.

Their evidence supports Barcelona’s account of events but conflicts with statements previously given by former Barcelona managers Ernesto Valverde and Luis Enrique, who said they had not used the reports.

The testimonies from Lopez and Alonso mean the witness hearings and investigative phase of the case have now ended.

The dispute centres on payments made by Barcelona over a number of years to Negreira, a former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees.

Real Madrid had earlier issued a statement about the case, saying it had gone directly to Uefa to demand full disclosure of the payments made by Barcelona to Negreira.

The club said it had taken that step after what it described as a lack of response from the two institutions for which Javier Tebas is responsible.

Real Madrid also said it would continue to defend its rights, press for complete clarification of the Negreira case and call for the comprehensive reform it considers necessary within Spanish football.

The club demanded a wide-ranging overhaul of the refereeing system and of the federation structures responsible for governance, administration, supervision and discipline.

It said that reform should include replacing the people who held positions of responsibility during the period in question.

Real Madrid further criticised Tebas, saying it was “very striking” that he had devoted his efforts to damaging the club’s reputation rather than using his institutional responsibilities to clarify what it called “these extremely serious facts” and deliver the reform and clean-up Spanish football needed.

Relations between Real Madrid and Barcelona have become increasingly strained because of the Negreira case.

Barcelona currently lead La Liga with 33 points, three points clear of Real Madrid.