Barcelona Deny New UEFA Case Over Negreira Affair After Real Madrid Documents
FC Barcelona have responded to reports of a reopened UEFA investigation into the Negreira case. The club insist there is no new file, as the original proceedings from 2023 remain active. Barcelona also note that the documents submitted by Real Madrid will be assessed within the existing investigation.
ByInfoBlaugrana
4 min read
UEFA has received a substantial amount of documentation from Real Madrid linked to the Negreira case investigation, and FC Barcelona wasted no time in responding. The Catalan club issued an official statement on Thursday to make clear that no new disciplinary file has been opened against them. The procedures initiated in 2023, they insist, continue to be processed in the ordinary way.
- UEFA confirms receiving documents from Real Madrid on the Negreira case.
- Barcelona say no file has been opened, reopened or reactivated.
- The ongoing investigation dates back to 2023 and has never been closed.
- The club state UEFA has made no new requests for information.
- Barcelona's UEFA licence has been renewed without issue throughout the process.
What Barcelona's statement says about the Negreira case
Barcelona's message is firm: "UEFA has not opened any new disciplinary file on FC Barcelona". The club explain that the file was opened in 2023 with the appointment of two investigators, who have since carried out the steps they considered appropriate. The statement stresses that the club has always responded to every request from the investigators and underlines that "this file has not been reopened, because it has never been closed".
What documents Real Madrid have sent to UEFA
UEFA has officially confirmed the receipt of a considerable number of documents sent by Real Madrid. For Barcelona, that confirmation simply means the material will be assessed by the investigators within the framework of the existing proceedings. Barcelona point out that UEFA's statement refers twice to an investigation and review being "ongoing", which they say reinforces the idea that no new procedure has been launched.
The current status of the UEFA file
Barcelona have indicated that, as of today, UEFA has neither made any new request to the club nor forwarded the complaint submitted by Real Madrid. The Blaugrana statement makes clear that once the investigators decide what to do with the documentation, the club will respond in due course, just as it has done so far.
UEFA has not opened any new disciplinary file on FC Barcelona. This file has not been reopened, because it has never been closed.
How the UEFA case connects to the criminal proceedings in Spain
Barcelona's statement recalls that the UEFA file is subject to whatever is decided in the criminal proceedings currently underway in Spain. That link has existed since the investigation began and, according to the club, will remain in place. They emphasise that, despite everything, the club has obtained its UEFA licence without issue and has continued competing in European competitions as normal.
Barcelona's response to reports of a reopened case
Several media outlets had suggested that UEFA had reopened or reactivated the case against Barcelona following the documents from Real Madrid. The club's position is that this reading does not reflect reality: UEFA's statement does not announce "the opening, reopening or reactivation of any file", nor does it comment on the substance or value of the documentation submitted. Barcelona insist it is up to the investigators to determine what action they consider appropriate.
Frequently asked questions about the Negreira case and UEFA
Frequently asked questions
Has UEFA opened a new case against Barcelona over the Negreira affair?
No. Barcelona have clarified there is no new case. The UEFA investigation was opened in 2023 and has never been closed, so there is no reopening to speak of.
What documentation has Real Madrid submitted to UEFA?
Real Madrid have sent a considerable number of documents related to the Negreira investigation. UEFA has confirmed receipt and said the investigators will assess them as part of the existing proceedings.
Has Barcelona had any trouble obtaining their UEFA licence?
No. Since the investigation began in 2023, Barcelona have obtained their UEFA licence without any issues and have continued playing in European competitions as normal.