NYON: European federation UEFA has decided to investigate the latest scandal swirling around Barcelona concerning the club’s long-term payments of €7.3m to a company headed by a former vice-president of the Spanish federation referees’ committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, between 2001 and 2018.

Barcelona have denied any wrongdoing or that they had been seeking any favours in terms of refereeing appointments.

The club are safe from discipinary action because of time-limitl regulations however the club could still be at risk of legal action. So far no legal proceedings have been opened.

Several other Spanish clubs have demanded action by the domestic authorites. Neighbours Espanyol demanded “exceptional action in clarifying what really happened and, if necessary , to take the corresponding measures at national and/or international level.”

The message appears to have registered with UEFA if not with the RFEF.

A bald statement from the European announced: In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have today been appointed to conduct an investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework by FC Barcelona in connection with the so-called ‘Caso Negreira’.

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