UEFA to investigate alleged Barcelona referee payments claims

    UEFA has launched an investigation following allegations Barcelona made payments to a former vice-president of Spain's referees' committee.

    UEFA. UEFA.

    Reports last month claimed the club paid companies owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira 7million euros (£6.2million) between 2001 and 2018.

    Negreira was the vice-president of the Spanish football federation's refereeing committee from 1993-2018.

    Barca could face corruption charges in court over the allegations after Spanish prosecutors filed a complaint earlier this month.

    Now football's European governing body has announced it will also be investigating the claims.

    A statement on Thursday read: "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'."

    Barca have previously denied wrongdoing.

    A statement said they had paid an external consultant for "technical reports related to professional refereeing", arguing it was common practice in the game.

    President Joan Laporta said: "Barca have never bought referees nor influence. That was never the intention and that has to be clear. The facts contradict those that are trying to tell a different story."

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