Real Madrid submits Negreira file to UEFA

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced that it has received a substantial amount of documents from Real Madrid concerning the ongoing investigation into Barcelona in the case of José María Enriquez Negreira, who previously served as the Vice President of the Technical Committee of Referees in the Spanish Football Federation.

UEFA stated in a release published by the Spanish newspaper Marca that ethics and disciplinary inspectors have received these documents and will study them as part of the open review related to the case.

Real Madrid has prepared a comprehensive file detailing the "Negreira case" for several months, while continuing to pressure for Barcelona to face consequences at the European level, given the lack of significant progress at the local level.

According to circulating information, the investigation is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, with the trial set to take place the following year, after the judge overseeing the case rejected Real Madrid's request, supported by the public prosecutor's office, to extend the investigation period by an additional six months.

These developments come as Real Madrid seeks to rebuild its relationship with UEFA, having also begun taking similar steps with the European Clubs Association, emphasizing in its communications the need to address the issue seriously to maintain what it considers the integrity of football.

The next step now lies with UEFA, which will need to assess whether the documents and evidence provided offer a basis for disciplinary action, while awaiting any defenses and responses from Barcelona.

UEFA's ethics and disciplinary inspectors began investigating the case in March 2023, following indications of a potential violation of the association's legal framework due to payments linked to José María Enriquez Negreira.

Subsequently, UEFA decided to temporarily suspend the case, pending the outcome of the ongoing criminal proceedings in Spanish courts.