Credit: Agustin Marcarian-Reuters via Imagn Images

Former Barcelona Managers Luis Enrique, Ernesto Valverde, and President Laporta Summoned in Ongoing “Negreira Case” Probe

High-profile figures questioned as investigation into alleged corruption involving referee payments deepens.

Credit: Agustin Marcarian-Reuters via Imagn Images

FC Barcelona’s alleged improper payments to former referee official José María Enríquez Negreira have escalated. In the latest announcement, former Barcelona managers Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde will be called to testify as witnesses in the case. Moreover, club president Joan Laporta will also be a part of the ‘Negreira Case’ testimony.

The suspicions arise from payments made by Barcelona to companies such as Dasnil 95, Nilsad SPC, and Soccercam S. These are the companies said to be associated with Negreira as the investigation is still being carried out. Barcelona maintains that these payments were for legitimate consultancy services, including scouting reports on referees.

The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has asked Joan Laporta, Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde to testify as witnesses in the Negreira case. They will explain if they received technical reports from Negreira's son.

— @elmundoes pic.twitter.com/GfBlGGzwN9
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 26, 2025

Key Testimonies to Uncover the Purpose of Payments in the Negreira Case

Now in the latest events of the investigation, Enrique, who led Barcelona from 2014 to 2017 and and Valverde, who coached the club from 2017 to 2020 will be questioned about the referee reports they received during their tenures. The questions will be aimed at helping determine the nature of the payments and whether they served any alternative purpose.

Laporta no longer under formal investigation, has been called as a witness. His words are expected to instil confidence in Barcelona’s innocence as they fade serious charges and penalties. Additionally, former presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu are scheduled to testify in September, further broadening the scope of the inquiry.

Although the bribery charge has been dismissed, prosecutors persist in investigating allegations of corruption. No concrete evidence has been presented yet that could demonstrate that referees were directly influenced to favour Barcelona in matches.

A trial date has yet to be confirmed, but the resolution of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the club’s leadership and its reputation. However, prosecutors suspect the transactions may constitute sporting corruption, prompting a deeper investigation into their purpose and impact.

Ernesto Valverde

FC Barcelona

Joan Laporta

Luis Enrique

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!