Negreira investigation formally closes as probe into Barcelona payments reaches decisive phase

The Negreira case has been a real thorn on Barcelona’s side over the past few years, giving Real Madrid every opportunity to try and defame the club.

This is despite the fact that courts have found no tangible evidence to support the claim that Barcelona indeed paid Enrique Negreira to influence match results.

Barcelona, to their credit, have always maintained calmness around the situation and have avoided making a big deal out of this.

Negreira case investigation formally close

According to Que T’hi Jugues, the investigation phase of the Negreira case has been formally closed.

This is a major milestone in the context of the entire case, as major consequences could rest solely upon the findings of the investigations.

The development followed the testimonies of former Barcelona B coach Gerard Lopez and ex-Barça Atletic delegate Toni Alonso, the final witnesses to be heard.

Barcelona must now submit certain financial documents to officially bring the investigation phase to its conclusion.

It must be noted that the formal ending of investigation does not amount to an exoneration of Barcelona.

This is merely the end of the evidence-gathering stage of the problem, which has examined whether or not the roughly €8 million paid to Negreira between 2001 and 2018 constituted legitimate consulting fees or an attempt to influence results.

What’s next?

With the investigation wrapped up, the Negreira case now moves to the legal steps.

The court must decide whether there is sufficient basis for the case to proceed to a full trial, or whether it should be dismissed.

Should it advance, it would then be referred to a criminal court, with reports suggesting that the trial could most likely take place in Autumn next year, with a verdict possibly to follow by the end of the year.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have continued to press UEFA to reach its own decision on the matter, having earlier submitted a dossier.

As for Barcelona, this is a huge step towards clarity and the club will now hope the process ultimately vindicates their long-held stance. The Negreira case could come to an end by the end of next year.