BARCELONA (Reuters) - Spanish prosecutors have filed a complaint against Barcelona and two of the LaLiga club's ex-presidents over alleged payments to a company owned by a senior refereeing official to influence match results, the public prosecutor's office said on Friday.
The club allegedly paid over 7.3 million euros between 2001 and 2018 to firms owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, who was vice-president of the refereeing committee of the Spanish football association in 1993-2018.
Prosecutors claim that under a secret agreement and"in exchange for money", Negreira favoured Barcelona"in the decisions taken by referees in the games played by the club, as well as in the results of the competitions".
The complaint focuses on the 2.9 million euros paid between 2014 and 2018 and alleges that Barcelona - with the help of former presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu - reached a"confidential verbal agreement" with Negreira. It accuses the club, Rosell, Bartomeu, Negreira and two other former Barcelona officials of corruption in sports, unfair administration and falsehood in mercantile documents.
The investigation was triggered by a tax inspection. Negreira told the Spanish tax agency that Barcelona's goal with the payments was to have"neutral" referees in their games, according to El Pais newspaper.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Soccer-Canada Soccer releases CBA proposal amid dispute with women's team(Reuters) - Canada Soccer released details of its proposed collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its national teams on Thursday, after the women's team launched a protest over pay equity issues and budget cuts last month.
Read more »
NYT: Manhattan prosecutors signal criminal charges likely for TrumpNEW YORK, March 10 — Manhattan prosecutors have signalled to Donald Trump that he could face criminal charges relating to the former president’s alleged role in hush money...
Read more »
Soccer-'Nonsense' to claim Man Utd gave up against Liverpool - Rashford(Reuters) - Manchester United's 7-0 loss at Liverpool was the result of a lack of communication, forward Marcus Rashford said on Wednesday as he dismissed suggestions that the Old Trafford club's players had downed tools in the thrashing.
Read more »
Soccer-'Inspiring' Fernandes to remain Man Utd's stand-in captain - Ten Hag(Reuters) - Bruno Fernandes will continue to captain Manchester United in Harry Maguire's absence despite being criticised for his performance in the 7-0 loss to Liverpool, manager Erik ten Hag said ahead of a Europa League knockout tie against Real Betis.
Read more »
Soccer-DFL wants no more 50+1 ownership rule exemptions in the BundesligaBERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's football league (DFL) presented a proposal on Wednesday to the country's independent competition authority that aims to tighten ownership of clubs and rule out major investors taking over control of teams.
Read more »
Soccer-I've been subject of 'smear campaign', says France women's coach Diacre(Reuters) - Amid reports of opposition from players and uncertainty over her future as France women's coach, Corinne Diacre said on Wednesday she has been the subject of a violent 'smear campaign' ahead of this year's World Cup.
Read more »