Referees respond to Negreira case clearing Barcelona’s stance: “They have no influence”

While Barcelona appear to be moved on from the Negreira case that had haunted the club throughout most of 2023, more information has recently come to light regarding the controversial case.

A recent report from La Vanguardia has come up with yet another comprehensive report, where they quote the referees who have been questioned regarding the influence of Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.

Former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees, Negreira was accused of having received payment from Barcelona to defend the club.

Referees respond to being influenced by Negreira

However, in a recent development, several referees were questioned by the Guardia Civil, as to whether or not they were indeed influenced by Negreira.

La Vanguardia notes that the referees questioned have completely denied that they were under the influence of Negreira.

The most commonly used answer is “not at all, it had zero effect.”

Eduardo Iturralde González, a prominent referee at the time, said, “These payments were transferred to Barcelona managers. Negrera has no influence.”

The referees basically pointed out that Negreira was in charge of promotions and demotions. He was not the final decision-maker. As such, he had zero influence on altering the competition.

This is a significant development coming out of the Negreira case, which has drastically impacted Barcelona’s image in European football.

Not to mention, the Negreira case served as the root of renewed tension between Barça and Real Madrid recently.

Barcelona, though, appear to have moved on and are firmly denied any allegations. A host of developments have also favoured the Catalan outfit, including this latest one.