Judicial probe into Barcelona’s Negreira case concludes with zero proof of match-fixing
After over three-and-a-half-years of media frenzy to undermine all of FC Barcelona's trophies in their impressive 17-year period, the investigating phase of the 'Negreira case' has now come to an end. With both Gerard Lopez and Toni Alonso giving their final testimony at Investigative Court No. 1 in Barcelona on Friday, the evidence-gathering part of the probe has essentially finished and the Culers are now closer to finishing what has been a very tiresome smear campaign.
Although not a complete acquittal, it is a huge step forward for Joan Laporta and the club to have finished the testimony part of the investigation with no evidence that Barcelona were linked to match-fixing or bribing referees.
Testimonies support Barcelona's position on the scouting reports
The investigation has now come to an end with the planned testimonies of ex-Barca Atletic coach Gerard Lopez and reserve team delegate Toni Alonso. The pair were allowed to testify after Real Madrid requested to prolong the investigation by six months in September but was turned down completely.
Lopez, who was the reserve team coach between 2015-2018, and Alonso both said that the payments made between 2001 and 2018 were purely for the genuine technical reports created by Javier Enriquez. Both testified that the reports were accurate, detailed and very important in the Second Division. As there was little to no footage of referees and scouting reports made about them, the reports were key. Alonso stated that they were simply normal technical reports used by coaches such as López.
One final document submission ahead of verdict in early 2027
The only thing left to do before Judge Gil gives her final verdict on the case in early 2027 is for Barca to submit their final set of documents. Following a successful appeal from the Barcelona Provincial Court, due to Real Madrid's legal team, Barcelona must provide some final internal documents, receipts and auditing paperwork between 2010-2021.
Once the documents are submitted, Judge Gil will either pass the case to an oral trial or drop and close the case completely. As all referees questioned have confirmed that Jose María Enríquez Negreira had no influence on their decisions or appointments, Barcelona can be confident that the truth will win.
