Barcelona learn Champions League ban fate over Negreira case

UEFA have confirmed that Barcelona have been granted provisional access to the 2023/24 Champions League after suspending their investigation of the Negreira case.

Payments to a former referee official led to widespread condemnation for Barcelona, who were accused of bribery and threatened with a ban from European competition if they were found guilty.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has long insisted the club have broken no rules and have nothing to hide, vowing to work with UEFA while the governing body investigated the payments and allegations against the club.

Now, UEFA have confirmed they have suspended their investigations and have not found any reason to ban Barcelona from the Champions League.

It is stressed that UEFA’s ruling is simply provisional and is not final as ethics and disciplinary inspectors from inside the organisation continue to evaluate the facts available and can request a punishment for Barcelona if any evidence of wrongdoing is found.

Spanish legal officials also continue to investigate the Negreira case and UEFA have warned Barcelona that they must keep them up to date with any developments if they want to avoid future punishments.

Should no evidence of corruption be unearthed in future, Barcelona will be free to participate in next season’s Champions League, with manager Xavi vowing to make more of an impact in Europe next year after an underwhelming outing on the continent this season.

Barcelona, who cantered to La Liga glory, were dumped out in the group stage last season behind Bayern Munich and Inter, and they failed to make it past the round of 32 in the Europa League after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Manchester United.