Court Rejects Real Madrid’s Request for Barcelona’s Financial Records (2003–2021) in Negreira Case
According to Mundo Deportivo, a Spanish court has officially rejected Real Madrid’s application to access FC Barcelona’s financial records covering the period 2003 to 2021 as part of the ongoing Negreira case investigation.
Real Madrid had sought the documents to support their civil claim against Barcelona, arguing that the payments made to former referees’ committee vice-president José María Enríquez Negreira could constitute unfair competition and damage to the club.
The court’s decision means Real Madrid will not gain access to the requested financial statements at this stage.
The Negreira case centres on more than €7 million paid by Barcelona to companies linked to Negreira between 2001 and 2018. Prosecutors are investigating whether these payments influenced refereeing decisions or constituted corruption.
Barcelona maintain the payments were for legitimate technical advisory reports on refereeing and that no evidence exists of any sporting advantage gained.
Real Madrid joined the case as a civil complainant in 2023, seeking potential damages.
The ruling is a procedural setback for Madrid in their attempt to obtain broader financial transparency from Barcelona in relation to the scandal.
The investigation by Spanish authorities continues, with no final verdict yet reached on whether criminal charges will be brought
