Negreira Case: Rosell & Bartomeu Summoned

In a new development in the Negreira case, Judge Alejandra Gil has decided to summon former FC Barcelona presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu for investigation as suspects in the ongoing inquiry into payments made by the club to former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees, José María Enríquez Negreira. This decision comes two years after the trial began, with the investigation period extended until September 1, despite strong opposition from some legal parties.

Negreira Case: Investigation Details and Key Figures

According to a judicial order obtained by EFE, the interrogation dates for the accused have been set as follows:

• June 30: Sandro Rosell, Javier Enríquez (Negreira’s son), and former Barcelona officials Albert Soler and Òscar Grau will appear in court, starting at 9:50 AM.
• June 17: Josep Maria Bartomeu and Ana Paula Rufas (Negreira’s wife) will appear in court, beginning at 11:00 AM.

Investigation Extension Despite Opposition

Judge Alejandra Gil has announced a six-month extension of the investigation, set to conclude by September 1. This decision faced opposition from former referee Javier Estrada Fernández, the primary plaintiff in the case, along with LaLiga, which is participating as a private prosecutor. However, the court has decided to proceed with the inquiries.

Why Is the Case So Controversial?

The Negreira case is one of the biggest scandals to shake Spanish football in recent years, as suspicions arise over potential referee manipulation during the period in which FC Barcelona made payments to Negreira. These doubts have led various legal and sports entities to call for a transparent and comprehensive investigation.

Potential Impact on FC Barcelona

Barcelona faces significant challenges due to this case, which could impact:

• The club’s reputation: The controversy may damage Barcelona’s standing among Europe’s top clubs.
• Possible sanctions: If the accusations are proven, the club could face financial penalties or even exclusion from major competitions.
• Effects on the current administration: While the current board, led by Joan Laporta, is not directly implicated, any negative consequences could affect the club’s stability.

Legal Experts’ Opinions

Some legal experts believe the case may take longer than expected, as the court needs to gather more evidence before reaching a final verdict. Others argue that the ongoing investigation reflects the Spanish authorities’ commitment to ensuring integrity in sports.

Conclusion

The Negreira case continues to dominate headlines, as it grows into one of the most significant scandals in Spanish football history. Investigations are intensifying, and more key football figures are being summoned to answer questions regarding the payments made by Barcelona to José María Negreira, a former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees.

June will be a crucial month, as it could reveal new details that might change the direction of the case. As more figures from the world of football are called to testify, the pressure is mounting on those involved. The outcome of this investigation could have a lasting impact on the integrity of Spanish football. The question remains: will justice uncover the full truth, or will this case remain an unsolved mystery that continues to haunt the sport?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Negreira Case

1. What is the Negreira case?
   • It involves investigations into payments made by Barcelona to the former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees, raising suspicions of referee favoritism toward the club.
2. Who are the key suspects in the case?
   • Sandro Rosell, Josep Maria Bartomeu, Javier Enríquez, Albert Soler, and Òscar Grau.
3. When will the suspects be interrogated?
   • June 30 and June 17, 2025.
4. What potential penalties could Barcelona face?
   • Possible financial fines or sporting sanctions if the charges are proven.
5. What is LaLiga’s stance on the case?
   • It is acting as a private prosecutor and calling for transparent investigations to ensure the fairness of competitions.