Barcelona were approached by Negreira in 2020 with an offer to help with VAR – report

FC Barcelona’s involvement in alleged corruption with Enriquez Negreira has become a subject of heavy discussion within the Spanish judiciary this year, with the club likely to be charged by the Prosecutor’s office in Spain.

The Negreira payoff scandal reportedly took place between 2001 to 2018, when the club, according to investigations, had paid close to €7 million to Enriquez Negreira, former vice-president of the referee’s committee, for insights regarding refereeing.

But that is not all. According to a recent report from El Mundo, it appears Negreira had approached Barcelona in 2020, offering help with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

“You would have done better with me,” he said. “I can help you with the VAR. If you are interested, contact me,” Negreira further added.

Barcelona, though, did not heed his proposal and even got offended. They questioned Negreira’s integrity and called him shameless internally.

Nevertheless, Barcelona could face sanctions after the Prosecution charges them for alleged continuous corruption in business. Given the gravity of the crime, the club could face serious charges. The more specific target could be former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

What is even more interesting is that current president Joan Laporta was also involved in the operation and had even reportedly increased the payouts during his first stint at the club.

But he will not be penalised given that his term ended before 2010 when the Penal code was introduced.

Laporta, though, will be asked to offer clarification and answer many questions regarding the payoffs to Negreira that could put Barcelona in a bad light.