The Negreira case may go to criminal court: Barcelona officials face jail time
The investigation into the Negreira case could soon escalate into a full-fledged criminal trial in the coming months.
Details: According to Sport, if guilt is proven, certain former and current Barcelona officials could face actual prison sentences, making this one of the most serious scandals in the history of Spanish football.
Despite years of investigation, key questions remain unanswered. Investigators have yet to receive a clear explanation as to why the club paid money to companies linked to former vice-president of the referees' committee José María Enríquez Negreira, and what exactly Barcelona received or expected to receive in return for these payments.
This uncertainty over the purpose of the payments and the possible benefits for the club only heightens the legal risks. If the case is brought before a criminal court, it could have not only sporting but also severe legal consequences for those involved.
Reminder: João Cancelo is set to arrive in Barcelona today to sign his contract.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
